
































The 

Triple 

Alliance 


By 

H. Watson Clapp 













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OOfYR«OHT 1924 BY / 
WATBON CLAPP y 



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PREFACE. 


The purpose of this book is especially designed to 
prove all true success is promoted through the lofty 
principles enjoyed by the seeker after its favors, and 
is measured by the insistent and frequent applica¬ 
tion of the choice traits of character thoroughly im¬ 
bued with elements, that make for straightforward 
action with strict honesty of purpose. Such were 
the traits of character instilled into the minds of the 
young people of our story, during their young rural 
life among the hills of old New England, that it 
would have been difficult indeed, for them to have 
accepted other than the righteous way. 

The story has actuality for its base, while some 
names and places are fictitious, the personalities, 
the environments, the deeds and experiences, the 
alliance proposition, the matrimonial entanglements 
and the happy results, all owe their inception to 
actualities. The object lesson here involved, serves 
to prove that the prominent traits displayed by these 
young people in their every approach of the stranger 
have commanded his respect and endeavor, also 
proving it were possible, even with human nature 
as selfishly organized, to successfully culminate a 
seemingly impossible proposition. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Preface 

Chapter I—A Rural Inheritance 
Chapter II—Searching for Babies 
Chapter III—The Coveted Franchise 
Chapter IV—The Prohib and the Spook 
Chapter V—The Searchers Return 
Chapter VI—Jonas Scores 
Chapter VII—That Irresistible Yankee 
Chapter VIII—Basil's Triumph 
Chapter IX—A Quadruplex Wedding 
Chapter X—The Women Vote 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


CHAPTER I 

A RURAL INHERITANCE 

As the principal river of old New England 
courses its way down from the hills of Vermont and 
New Hampshire, from whence it gathers its head 
among a thousand springs, sparkling forth with dog¬ 
matic persistency, delivering the first element of 
sustenance for the well-being of all phases in life, 
the impression is forced of the gathering momentum, 
all-sufficient to gain greatly in importance as a fac¬ 
tor of enchantment and power. 

After passing over the line in old Puritan Massa¬ 
chusetts, it bethinks it discovers amid the countless 
murmurs of its own ripples, a murmur of appeal, a 
whimper of distress, which so agitates its sympa¬ 
thies, that it pauses upon its merry journey to in¬ 
quire, what hast thou little one in common with me, 
wherein can I be of service in alleviating thy wrongs, 
imaginative or otherwise? 

Stop, if thou wilt, on your onward happy course, 
plaintively implores the whimper, and listen to me. 
I have come all the way down from yonder hilltops, 
in search of some tangible outlet to the heaven-wide 
sea, I have among my assets much valuable material 
that the wide wide world is in need of and quite 
anxious to obtain. My mission at the moment is, to 
seek entrance to thine all-powerful roadstead and I 
implore thee, most gracious parent, to open up thy 
side line and let me come in. 

This is the plaint of an ambitious self-respecting 
mountain stream, circuiting its way rapidly through 
the narrow and intricate gorges, from near the sum¬ 
mit of majestic old Hoosic. It must indeed find an 


5 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


outlet for its gathering force, and the father of New 
England waters can do no less, than to open its arms 
and let this self-respecting applicant happily come 
in, thus forming a conjunction that makes for its own 
further aggrandizment, as it passes onward en 
route to the sea. 

This stream, small at its inception and not large 
at its surrender, drains beside the hills of old Hoosic, 
many small and medium hamlets snugly ensconced, 
throughout a portion of northwestern Massachu¬ 
setts, where the native population is largely rural, 
and yet, much business is transacted other than the 
cultivation of the soil, with manufacturing supply¬ 
ing much labor for the people. 

Always have the people throughout this region 
been prolific, no race suicide has been at all likely to 
concern the people. The bracing air, the opportu¬ 
nities for romping exercise, the physical freedom 
there present, always has developed healthy and 
robust children, a good old age has oftener been no¬ 
ticed among these environments than a crippling 
early demise, while such conditions as obtain here 
are, of late, being appreciated by the people of busy 
and crowded cities. 

The schools of this romantic neighborhood, pre¬ 
tend not to furnish a complete life education, thus, 
the boys and girls are generally expected to spend 
a year or two on tuition elsewhere; most of the par¬ 
ents desire their offspring to secure better prepara¬ 
tion for the battle of life than had been given them, 
thus, money has been freely voted for schools, when 
at the usually turbulent annual town meeting, they 
will battle for hours over other matters that call 
for increased taxes. 

Among the prominent citizens of the village we 
have in mind as we write, are the Kents, the Carters 
and the Harts, all thoroughly upright and sturdy 
citizens and termed throughout the neighborhood, 


6 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


as “Farmer Kent,” “Contractor Carter,” and “Stone 
Hart,” the latter operating a marble quarry, with 
power accumulated through the force gained by the 
village stream, as it courses its way rapidly over the 
rocky bottom, in its haste to reach its complete sur¬ 
render. 

These three characters were born and raised 
complete in this neighborhood, attended the same 
schools, and played together as boys, moreover, have 
been especially fond of each other throughout. They 
all married some girl in the neighborhood and 
brought forth the same number of children, although 
not divided alike as to sex. 

Farmer Kent has a boy and two girls. The boy 
he named Jonas, one of the girls is much older than 
the others and she has been named Charity, the 
other one is called Janice. 

Contractor Carter raised two boys and a girl, 
one boy being much older than the others and some 
peculiar, and then some. 

The quarryman has been blessed with twin girls, 
and a boy, whom he christened Wesley, the twins 
are Betty and Bella. The Carter girl is Sybil, the 
boys are Cyrus and Basil, Cyrus being considerably 
the older; these have a bachelor uncle who is an¬ 
other peculiar character. 

The Hart children have a maiden aunt of such 
proportions, mentally and physically, as to often 
disturb the equanimity of the household, Miss Eunice 
Hart, by the neighborhood she is usually termed 
“Aunt Eunice.” The Bachelor uncle is called Jed, 
as the short for Jared. 

These are the characters that must be woven into 
this largely realistic story and taken altogether if 
any are used, because of being so intertwined in 
their lives throughout, from school days to life's ap¬ 
proaching end. These character personifications 
portray almost every type of human trait aside from 


7 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the criminal and must all be utilized to fully equip 
this life story, to properly serve the purpose intended. 

While in school, both boys and girls have always 
their chums, generally brought about through some 
natural affinity; circumstances, however, may pre¬ 
vent some alliances that might occur otherwise, this 
being more noticeable during the later years, as 
class, because of wealth, does not at the time this 
story is laid, prevail to any great extent in a commu¬ 
nity of this type, each one and all being seemingly 
quite as desirable as associates in common, nothing 
can be doing in the line of caste. 

The boys, Basil, Wesley and Jonas, are affinity 
in very truth and practice, having little at variance 
and much in common, when at the same time they 
each have distinctive traits and preferences. That 
they do not think alike concerning many things, is 
so much to their credit and advantage in the battle 
of life, that fate has decreed shall fall to their lot. 
As this story unfolds, the reader will learn to appre¬ 
ciate perhaps more fully than before, the advantage 
to be gained through friendly antagonism, engen¬ 
dered by opposing minds. 

These boys are full of frolic and always have 
some project afoot, to create sport for themselves, 
even at the expense of some discomfiture to others, 
but never put over anything of a malicious or cruel 
character. Matters of serious import often arise be¬ 
tween these boys, but always a reasoning together 
will satisfactorily straighten them out. It has been 
said that where there are no quarrels there can be 
no “real boys,” but an assembly of nincompoops 
will substitute. 

Whenever trouble is brewing or about to brew, 
never is there any doubt in the neighborhood of how 
these boys will line up. Seldom do others effect a 
combine antagonistic to either one of the boys, form¬ 
ing what is known and termed to be “The Triple 


8 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


Alliance,” upon the principle, perhaps, that “in 
unity lies strength,” and yet, “The Triple Alliance” 
is not only respected for its prowess, but all its mem¬ 
bers are loved as school companions. They each 
have high regard for justice, they will not stand 
apace and see any wrong, actually an unjustifiable 
act, committed by anyone whomsoever, especially 
upon a weaker or handicapped party, and often have 
they needlessly gotten into trouble, because of this 
insatiable desire to see fair play. 

These three young hopefuls acquired naturally 
the affinity that is present between them, it simply 
is an inheritance, really, it needed not to be acquired, 
it is simply an effect from parental cause, but per¬ 
haps is considerably intensified as practiced by these 
boys. 

The natural alliance existing between these boys, 
is often a subject of conversation between the village 
people, who find it not difficult to account for. What 
is not so easily accounted for, however, is the undis¬ 
guised fact that the girls of these affiliated families, 
do not appear to possess this trait in any marked de¬ 
gree; it is believed by some, however, to be there 
just the same, although not so plainly visible as with 
the boys. The more naturally brutal nature of the 
boy is bound to portray a trait of this type in plainer 
exhibit, while the more refined and defensive tend¬ 
encies of female nature, ordinarily and naturally 
disclose much of hesitant friendship, leaving not the 
same margin of evidence for distinction. Thus, ap¬ 
parently, the girl members of these three families, 
associated together and with other girls in no abnor¬ 
mal way. 

We are thus particular in describing these char¬ 
acters, because of the general mix-up subsequent 
events in their lives force them into, enabling the 
reader to better grasp the complicated situation, as 


9 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


page after page unfolds of unusual happenings 
among these stirring youth. 

At quite an early day it was evident among 
the older people, that a bevy of youth is here present 
that under and with certain combinations, are bound 
to furnish amusement and interest for the good peo¬ 
ple of the neighborhood, and likely many places 
elsewhere, as hardly can it be correctly presumed 
that all will settle down in the same section. Neither 
can it be safely calculated that these boys will do as 
their fathers did in selecting their best girl; some 
other than a girl of the same village may attract one 
or more of these “Allied Triplets,” just who, they 
cannot tell. Cupid sometimes runs freaky during 
his cranky race, and before all of these scions of 
worthy old stock, have become lovingly and legally 
hitched up for keeps, old Cupid may have exhausted 
many of his resourceful resources, and yet, be 
puzzled withal, and mayhap a bit disheartened, at 
the prospect of satisfactory results. 

When opening up the consideration of incidents, 
marking the milestones of our youthful characters, 
who are of the younger set along in the teens and 
are soon to leave the village school for higher grades 
of learning, we are forced to observe the same rules 
of favor existing in the school boy or girl of twelve, 
as may later be evidenced in the swain and maiden 
of eighteen or twenty; at the latter age, however, 
considerably more refined and hesitating, this dem¬ 
onstration of favor never being forgotten upon St. 
Valentine's day, if upon any other. Often upon 
this day has worked out a fondness, although but a 
midway school day choice, that has proven out a 
happy and permanent selection. 

That preferences there are among these young 
people, we will not attempt to deny, on the contrary, 
will endeavor to supply much evidence to prove, that 
our proteges are not to be caught napping in this 
part of life's game. 


10 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


Surprise parties are as common and popular 
among these people as among others elsewhere, the 
adult people ever standing ready to help push the 
old custom along. They know all about it for they 
have been there, most of them having worked out 
their preferences at the “surprise party shrine,” 
thus stand ready to give the young people “hearty 
godspeed.” 

Jonas Kent was an especially bright scholar in 
mathematics, as “spelling bees” were always more 
or less popular with country folk, so were “problem 
bees” quite as popular in this neighborhood, and 
each time one was held, Jonas Kent was the only 
boy to leave the cypher board absolutely clear and 
clean. 

The procedure was, certain problems were 
placed upon the board, the several contestants were 
lined up, the problems were divided into three 
classes, the first three contestants approach the 
board, each taking up one of the divisions and work¬ 
ing out as many of the problems, as possible within 
the time limit alloted, with time up, must pass on to 
another division, thereby making room for the next. 
The person who won the first contest must take the 
front of the line next time. Should more than one 
succeed in clearing the board, the footman shall be 
determined by a drawing of slips from a hat. 

Among the girls in this contest, Sybil Carter was 
more than a match for the others, thus Jonas and 
Sybil seemed decreed by fate to be paired off, and 
the situation seemed quite agreeable to both; it had 
seemed to furnish the suggestion which Jonas ap¬ 
peared willing to take advantage of, always invit¬ 
ing Sybil to everything happening along, even at¬ 
tempting to take her away from her parents at the 
church door, when the “meetin’ house” was out. 
Sybil's parents considered matters were getting on 
too fast, and thus had a word to express now and 


ll 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


then, that served to dampen the seemingly precipi¬ 
tate ardor of Jonas, who, however, good-naturedly 
mused: “I guess I can bide my time, they probably 
will get off in good time to suit my purpose, guess 
Sybil will keep a year or two more or less, even with 
the lid screwed on.” 

Basil Carter was especially a “spelling scholar,” 
and when at a “spelling bee,” was usually the last 
among the boys to leave the desk, while Betty Hart 
sent the girls all to their seats, thus forming an af¬ 
finity between them with the fact, that when at last 
they were pitted against each other, to spell off the 
match between the girls and boys, neither could be 
spelled down, there being no words in the speller 
that could beat either. So apparently here is an¬ 
other match. 

Wesley Hart was delighted in composition writ¬ 
ing and was at his best in that art, and having quite 
an aptness toward the humorous, the school gen¬ 
erally expected a treat, whenever it came Wesley's 
turn to entertain them. 

The present teacher decreed that the writer 
should not read his own composition, but might ex¬ 
change with whomever he would and it seemed more 
convenient, in Wesley’s way of looking at it, to ex¬ 
change with Janice Kent, as her seat was located 
just opposite to his, thus, they had something in com¬ 
mon by being such near neighbors, and then, their 
homes were adjacent and they could and did prac¬ 
tice the reading of each other’s compositions, when 
alone by themselves and thus, could coach each other 
and obtain the true expression intended by the writ¬ 
er. This method was probably a great factor in plac¬ 
ing their production ahead of all others in the first 
two contests. But here this arrangement ended, for 
it had occurred to Wesley one night as he suddenly 
awoke from a troubled sleep, that the convenient 
hitch up with Janice was really unfair. Indeed, he 


12 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


reasoned, “it is downright mean,” yes, it is a dirty 
trick and I wonder Janice has not discovered the 
rottenness of it, but I dislike to call her attention to 
it, evidently she has overlooked the unfairness of the 
proceeding and will feel much ashamed at having 
engaged in it at all, when discovering its real char¬ 
acter. I must find some way of dropping the ar¬ 
rangement without disclosing my real motive, but 
here again, that will be unfair to her. Now that is 
always the way, whenever one tells a lie, he will 
need to tell another to conceal the first one. Should 
I attempt to beat around the bush to the right in 
avoiding her, she will certainly come around in the 
opposite direction, with questions that cannot be 
evaded, so I am going to tell her straight out and 
both share the blame. 

It has become an almost settled conviction among 
the other scholars, that one or the other of the effu¬ 
sions produced by these two contestants are to be de¬ 
cided as superior to the others. Here again appears 
an efficient element for the pairing off of another 
couple. These happenings have all come about in a 
most natural way, thus what, pray, can otherwise 
be expected to result? 

Matters of school life drift quite ordinarily 
along, parties and all kinds of social functions hap¬ 
pen along also, that bring all these young people 
frequently together. Whenever convenient and pos¬ 
sible, however, they will be found nicely and exclu¬ 
sively paired off, visiting together as though in imi¬ 
tation of Adam and Eve in the old-time Garden of 
Eden. Apparently, such felicity might, and per¬ 
haps should, continue, but human nature has been 
known to possess traits of unreliability, causing it 
to depart even from its own will and wish to work 
out its own traditions, to beguile its own intentions, in 
short, to become fickle, absurd and ridiculous, thus, 
who can tell, and who will endeavor to guess, what 


13 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the future will work out as a permanent line-up for 
these three pairs of schoolmates? Much surprise 
may meet the reader at what the fates shall finally 
decree. 

The last term of school at home has commenced, 
much talk and planning have been engaged in as 
the term progresses, concerning their coming experi¬ 
ence. It has been decided by the parents of the 
triplets to have them all attend the same school; 
always have they been so fond of each other, it is 
considered cruel to part them, inasmuch, as they de¬ 
sire to be not parted. The parents in one case pre¬ 
fer a different school from the one chosen by the 
others, however, majority rule decides the case for 
all. The question is argued by the neighbors, “after 
school days, what then?” they cannot always be to¬ 
gether after going out into the world. 

The day following the closing of home school 
days of our heroes, they meet under the old oak tree 
in the home pasture lot of Farmer Kent, holding a 
long and serious conference, for the most part re¬ 
garding their future. Each one exhibiting a special 
preference in occupation after graduation, previ¬ 
ously having mentally outlined the general charac¬ 
ter of the selection, they each in turn duly proceed 
to disclose their plans to the others. 

Basil Carter, being practically the one possess¬ 
ing the stronger individuality, naturally and logic¬ 
ally becomes the leader, if really a leader be pres¬ 
ent among them, being generally looked to first for 
an expression of opinion, voluntarily proceeds to 
name his choice of a business line to enter. 

The boys are all greatly serious upon this occa¬ 
sion, fully realizing the solemnity due the event of 
selecting their life employment. Perhaps the read¬ 
er may surmise that they are somewhat premature, 
as many things can happen before the day of oppor¬ 
tunity arrives, to completely change their boyish 


14 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


plans. But “we shall see, just what we shall see,” 
regarding this feature of this case, it may turn out 
that these boys are not of the ordinary, frivolous, hap¬ 
hazard, go-as-you-can type. 

Basil opens his remarks in a firm frank way: “I 
have many times canvassed the various legitimate 
and lucrative vocations in life and have to discover, 
anything better to my mind than “transportation.” I 
believe it occupies first place in importance, the pub¬ 
lic cannot do without it, thus, it is bound to be a 
lucrative occupation, for the public is willing to pay 
for what it wants and must have. No particular 
class is called upon to support transportation, 
every class is bound to contribute, everybody will 
ride when opportunity comes along.” 

“But,” interrupts Jonas, “that requires large cap¬ 
ital and what do you know about that?” 

“Well,” retorts Basil, “there is a point right 
there, but one must watch out for a fresh opportu¬ 
nity and strike quickly, wherever one can get in at 
the bottom. First, acquire something attractive and 
of value, that can command the loan of another’s 
capital, then work out of it something that is at¬ 
tractive on its face, when other capital will seek a 
housing therein. I believe there are yet good loca¬ 
tions in this broad land, where a railroad of some 
sort is yet awhile needed, where it can serve the pub¬ 
lic exclusively, and where, if the proposition be 
rightly handled, a man so handling it, can with lim¬ 
ited capital acquire control, if not a majority owner¬ 
ship, while I consider the one who shall propose and 
execute such a proposition, will contribute as much 
toward the benefit and progress of the world, as an¬ 
other who may employ his endeavor in other voca¬ 
tions that may present themselves, to the young man 
out after employment for his genius, tact and mus¬ 
cular effort. Thus, my hearties, transportation is 
my hobby and I believe it to be the best hobby pos- 

15 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sible, with which to make the world go, and about 
the best one to nurse, personally speaking. Now, 
Wesley, my boy, what art thou in mind to tackle, 
when once thou hast fully spurned from thy shoul¬ 
ders, the swaddling clothes of old school days?” 

“Basil, I have to tell you of a wild thing to do, but 
perhaps the taste is more inherited than acquired, 
and yet, I have many times attempted to thresh out 
another something, but none else will seem to fill the 
bill. My father is a quarryman, but that is not suffi¬ 
cient to satisfy his young scion, something better 
craves he, yet further in the same line. Now, Basil, 
I must consider that we, as God's own creatures, 
are in duty and honor bound to use the best there is 
in us, to develop and make available for the benefit 
of the world he has created, the wealth he has so 
kindly and graciously placed within our reach. 
True, we cannot all follow the same calling and we 
should not utterly disregard any one calling, because 
it seems to carry greater hardships than another, if 
that calling be compatible with our taste. My 
choice, Basil, is mining, extracting from the bowels 
of the earth, that which the Creator of the Universe 
has placed there for man to extract. The wealth 
gathered from mines, immortalized ‘King Solomon', 
mining, made ‘Rome' the mistress of the world, min¬ 
ing, has made ‘Great Britain' the world's commercial 
dictator, mining, is making the ‘United States' the 
richest country in the world. Show me a country 
that has no mines and I will show you a people sunk 
in degradation of poverty, and poverty makes cow¬ 
ards of nations as well as of men. You must remem¬ 
ber that a deposit of mineral is simply a crop already 
raised, harvested, and in the bin of Old Earth, where 
you may check it out at your pleasure. 

God made the deposit, he gave the prospector knowl¬ 
edge and insight, guiding him on his way to well-filled 
vaults. Without the miner, you would not have a fry- 


16 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


ing pan, a spoon, or even a hatpin, eliminate the miner 
and you will soon wipe out civilization, a nation’s pros¬ 
perity depends largely upon the extent, -variety and 
development of its mineral resources, mark that down 
plainly, my hearties. Mining has transformed more 
financially broken men into millionaires, and placed 
them in positions of honor and trust, than has any 
other business among men. Statistics are available 
to show, that more money has been lost during the last 
decade in banking, than has been lost among those 
engaged in mining. Therefore, my good lads, I must 
ask you to respect the occupation of my choice. While 
I admit the importance of transportation, I cannot 
concede it first place in importance to the world. The 
people of bygone generations had transportation, and 
even though crude it was, they made it do. Years 
before public transportation came into being, they had 
been supplied with whatever their needs demanded, 
from the strong vaults God had builded below the sur¬ 
face, without which their efforts upon the earth’s sur¬ 
face, would have but locally met the requirements of 
the world. Transportation is necessary, but material 
to make it available must come first. 

“While admitting present methods of transporta¬ 
tion are essential to the present pace of the world, 
these methods and the investment therein, would 
prove worthless to the owners with little or nothing to 
transport, therefore, Basil, old boy, I cannot conscien¬ 
tiously allow transportation first place. Production of 
commercial commodities must of necessity come before 
the carriers thereof, to supply the roadbed and vehicle 
equipment.” 

“Now, Jonas, staid and irreproachable old Jonas, 
what may have arrested your attention as a business 
calling?” inquires Basil. 

“Well, Basil,” replies Jonas, “humble though my 
choice may be, it is in comparison with yours a more 
fitting one for me. You have always been, throughout 


17 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


our school days, a character of greater brilliance and 
of a more restless type, evincing a stronger desire for 
notoriety, with a greater appreciation of public notice 
and comment, thus your selection is quite in keeping 
with many traits of your make-up, and I think mine 
is quite as much in accordance and sympathy with the 
prominent traits within my composition. 

“A ranch, a western ranch, my dear fellows, comes 
nearest to my ideal. I have heard you tell of the im¬ 
portance of transportation, I have listened to the nicely 
depicted desire of the Creator, for the extraction from 
its stronghold of deposit, the boundless wealth thus 
placed for the world’s benefit, and now claim for my 
humble calling a greater importance than either. 
George Washington was a farmer and he was a good 
farmer, he liked it and endorsed it as an engaging and 
fascinating occupation for others. There was a time 
in the history of the world when nearly everybody was 
a farmer. Deep down in the heart of many there is 
a secret love for the soil and a longing to engage in 
its cultivation. There is nothing more mysteriously 
enchanting in life, than the sprouting of a seed and 
the growth of a plant to maturity, moreover, farming 
is a game that one can play and feel emphatically, 
that he is making his life fully worth while, in being 
a producer instead of a mere consumer. In this age 
of cities, a large portion know nothing of this instinct 
for the soil, most farmers know something about the 
cities, but the average city man has not the remotest 
idea of the primeval longing for the soil, that should 
come to man as naturally endowed. 

“The first thing man was ever known to do when 
placed in the garden of Eden, was to ‘eat’. Man cares 
not to ride when nursing an empty belly. Gold and 
silver he cannot eat, and with nothing to purchase, it 
is always but dross. What, then, do thy callings count, 
with none to till the soil and raise the beef and fat, 
man must consume before he can toil at any calling 
whatever ? 


18 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


“I claim as first among the commercial callings of 
man, ‘agriculture’, with ‘mining’ as the second, and 
both are considered by millions as beneath them. 
Vehicles of transportation are not available, or the 
steel roadways upon which they are to run, until some 
poor menial has descended to the depths to provide the 
material therefor. So now, my hearties, whoever has 
the best claim to importance, it is for us to make good 
in that which we have chosen. Let us one and all, 
here and now, make between us a compact, seriously 
and solemnly, to strive and make each his own part 
an unqualified success and be satisfied with nothing 
short.” 

Basil and Wesley concede the points so comprehen¬ 
sively made by Jonas and willingly subscribe to his 
suggestions, that all use their best endeavor “to make 
good” in their several chosen lines and Basil adds, 
“never be a quitter.” 

Wesley maintains a dogged silence for some time, 
while the others exchange several pleasantries and 
until chafed by Jonas with, “A penny for your 
thoughts, Wesley.” 

“Well, old chums,” retorts Wesley, “I have been 
debating with myself the wisdom of propounding to you 
a proposition, which I confess has struck me hard, I 
believe it is entirely original with me, and yet, I may 
lose your respect for my good sense in unfolding it 
to you. 

“Oh, no, old boy, let’s have it,” cries Basil. 

“Yes, yes,” says Jonas, “let’s have nothing mys¬ 
terious between us, always so far, have we been open 
and frank, let’s solemnly agree to continue thus.” 

“Well,” says Wesley, “that spirit of union in mind 
and purpose between us, is what suggested to me the 
possibility of such a proposition as I am about to startle 
you with. We have each chosen our lines for the future 
and they are so widely different, that it is hardly pos¬ 
sible to concentrate them as one joint enterprise and 


19 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


will necessarily drift us far apart, a situation that I for 
one very much deplore, while such a proceeding will 
make of us practically strangers. We have been almost 
as one and certainly as brothers, since our school days 
first began. Soon we are to drift out into the mazes 
of the world's business life, in vastly different voca¬ 
tions. Shall we, when graduation is passed, shake 
hands and say goodbye, immediately and permanently 
passing out of each other’s lives, forget all the joys 
each has contributed to the other’s happiness, lose 
altogether the influence and support we have learned 
to lean upon, in our intercourse and youthful aspira¬ 
tions, our confidences in each other so firmly estab¬ 
lished, to be handed over to the bygones of life, thus be¬ 
coming entirely useless in a practical sense? Now then, 
my hearties, need this transformation come to pass? 
Listen then to the voice of thy babbling chum, 
Whose wild deductions may so effect thine ears, 
That grave doubts of sanity to them may come 
To prove mistaken thou hast been, all these years. 
“Basil and Jonas, what say you, graduation passed, 
shall we each saunter forth in quest of clues, leading 
up to our several cherished vocations, as a unit in 
purpose, as a unit in interest therefrom, but only unify¬ 
ing our efforts and talents in the combination of results 
attained, each in his best judgment making best pos¬ 
sible strides, each ambitious to excel in results, each 
equally honest and upright in all dealings with fellow- 
men, each equally anxious and happy to contribute 
from his end to the joint accumulation, realizing alway 
that either may meet handicap in a greater degree than 
either of the others, realizing also, that many years 
may pass before all three shall have gained a secure 
position ?” 

“Just what do you mean, Wesley,” inquires Jonas, 
“is it that we pool our issues ?” 

“Yes,” replies Wesley, “whenever we shall have 
acquired issues to pool, but that will be some years 

20 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


hence, how many may depend somewhat upon luck, 
much upon diligence and Safe judgment, and some upon 
frugality and straightaway tactics. 

“I would suggest incorporation of separate interests 
as one, with a general headquarters somewhere central 
of the locations of the several interests, each of us to 
separately conduct our own line exclusively. It will 
simply mean a community of interests as to results, 
but separately conducted, each under its own capital 
and resources, allowing each to make or receive loans 
from the others, but always upon strict business prin¬ 
ciples, otherwise expressed, each enterprise must stand 
upon its own footing and be regarded as a separate 
unit, in its contributions in profits to the general fund. 

“Jonas suggests that one line of business might 
have an advantage over the others as to possible profit, 
while its manager might put forth much the lesser ef¬ 
fort, nevertheless, thus the contribution of one would 
necessarily be inferior to that of the others and the 
manager would feel measly mean, while the others 
might consider ‘honors were not even/ Moreover, some 
of us might have more capital to start with, could such 
an arrangement be made practical.” 

“There is one thing that can serve as an obstacle, 
replies Wesley, and that is ‘human nature’. Have we 
not in our relations with each other throughout our 
school life, practically smothered those traits of human 
nature, that might serve to cause trouble in the pro¬ 
posed arrangement, has not our unswerving loyalty to 
each other under every situation possible, caused the 
absence of selfishness between us, and has not the 
natural fondness we realize exists in our consideration 
for each other, stopped the natural tendencies of 
nature from the human standpoint, as usually com¬ 
mitted between man and man ? I could not even dream 
that an arrangement such as proposed, could become 
a possibility among the average members of the human 
family. It can only be possible with such as we. Boiled 


21 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


down, it means purely and simply, we take a gamble 
with each other under a solemn compact that ‘each will 
do his best endeavor', and believing in each other as 
we do, can consider the gamble only in how well 
equipped or adapted we are, to the line of our choice, 
where all will make some mistakes and that is the only 
item of gamble, other than life, which we shall all have 
insured by the tenor of the compact, soon after we 
have placed the proposition in full operation. 

“Now," continues Wesley, “I propose we take this 
matter under serious consideration until after gradua¬ 
tion, and not discuss the matter between ourselves 
or anyone else in meantime, but not neglect to dig up 
all and every point possible concerning it, both pro and 
con, for our careful consideration. After we are free 
from school another session similar to the present one 
shall be held, to compare notes and take such action 
as the facts and the evidence shall warrant and de¬ 
mand, and now, what say ye, my hearties?" “Amen 
and Amen," shout Jonas and Basil, and the meeting 
adjourns. 

The school day graduation has now taken place, 
and the field for life’s battle is opening before the youth 
of our story. The girls born in those days and reared 
in country villages of that type, had not to earn their 
own livelihood, the parents were generally well to do 
and the girls were expected to assist in the housework. 
Hired domestics were not considered a necessary ap¬ 
pendage, in true parley, the good housewife of those 
days was not to become a servant, as many have later, 
she was mistress supreme and generally had daughters, 
who were not offended if mama invited them to assist. 
They were not brought up or were not allowed to come 
up, in ignorance of ways and means to serve themselves 
and theirs, they were quite as refined, healthy, and 
happy, imparting fully as much good sense and taste 
to those with whom they associated, as those of later 
birth who consider the kitchen as “no place for this 
lady, if you please." 


22 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


This pretty well describes the stock now abouUto 
go out into the world, to meet the duties of life as 
they shall find them, such as these are to become the 
wives that are to make, or unmake, successes or fail¬ 
ures in the careers of our “Triple Alliance,” with whom 
who shall say “failure.” 

During several weeks after graduation, social func¬ 
tions of all descriptions are plenty and of the rare sort, 
for these boys and girls are just out of school, and 
what can hold them down, a party here, a romp there, 
a ride and a private stroll, a snug tete-a-tete in the 
arbor near the garden wall, a dance, a surprise party, 
and on a Sunday, a treat from the parson at the old 
“meetin’ house” on the hill, with also the evening 
service, followed by “May I have the pleasure of escort¬ 
ing you home?” and the happy reply, “I don’t care 
if you do,” or any other way to put it, so that “the 
young swain gets there.” 

The pairs as had been made up in the home school, 
have not forgotten their mates while away at tuition 
school, the girls have not cared to be forgotten and 
the boys have not even dreamed of forgetting them, 
and give the girls no time to forget them. It might 
be said, Uncle Sam is indebted quite some to these 
people for his postal revenue, indirectly perhaps to 
“Cupid,” the old sorcerer, who neglects not his full 
duty towards those who come under his spell and 
whose subjects are never allowed to loiter at will. 

It is now time for the adjourned meeting of our 
triplet friends and they happily repair to the trysting 
place. Not one word has been spoken between them 
concerning the matter in hand, since they left the place 
before upon adjournment. Each one has discussed the 
matter somewhat with his favorite girl, enjoining, 
however, the greatest of secrecy, and for once, it has 
been strictly maintained, and so much so, that the 
girls never mention it between themselves. 

While formal engagements have not actually been 


23 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


effected, pretty conclusive understandings there are 
between those composing the couples, but each girl 
guards her own secret with jealous pride, if secret it 
can be termed, after having been so much in the com¬ 
pany of her young swain. Of course the people of the 
village need not to be informed as to what might be 
going on, an announcement of their engagements would 
not surprise anybody, it has already grown to be an 
old story, completely worn out and seeded, therefore, 
there is no business for “Madam Grundy,” she is out¬ 
classed this time of a certain, thus these young people 
are jointly and severally let alone, a very unusual 
occurrence in a country town. 

The boys discuss for a long time the serious matter 
that has brought them together, they have threshed 
the matter out thoroughly and to a finish in private 
assembly, while all have decided that they can make 
it work. There are questions and statements, opinions 
and otherwise, that are entered into and carefully gone 
over, moreover, each one has learned that he can have 
a small amount of capital to start the game off with, 
whenever he shall find a safe and proper proposition 
to engage in. 

It is for the boys to now draw up an agreement 
or compact between them, setting forth the tenets of 
procedure for the first few years, or until they have 
obtained a footing sufficient to incorporate, what shall 
be known as “The Triple Alliance,” which shall be the 
parent of the three enterprises and the one to whom 
all surplus profits shall go. 

At this juncture the parents of these enterprising 
chums, are informed of the compact they have entered 
into, but Farmer Kent and the quarryman, are greatly 
skeptical and endeavor to dissuade them, from what 
they term an “impossible arrangement.” “Why,” ex¬ 
claims Farmer Kent, “such a contrivance as that, was 
never before by man thought out; why, it is against 
any type of human nature that ever was created, you 

24 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


will all be by the ears in less than the small end of 
no time, it can’t be done, I tell you, boy, it can't De 
done.” 

“But,” replies Jonas, “we’ve held together all these 
years in school and think quite as much of each other 
as ever. We believe we are so constituted and so com¬ 
pletely understand each other, that we can harmoni¬ 
ously trudge along and do better united than singly. 
Believing we are, that in the near future the most suc¬ 
cessful business, will be transacted upon 'big business’ 
principles, that the days of small units in commercial 
enterprise are rapidly passing, that a 'unity of interests’ 
is approaching popularity. Where one unit has hereto¬ 
fore grubbed along, three or more associated units 
will command a very material advantage, as each unit 
can be utilized in benefiting the others. Is it not said 
two heads are better when associated, than when act¬ 
ing independently, even if both are 'leather heads’ 
complete ?” 

One day the parents of these young hopefuls acci¬ 
dentally meet upon the street, when the conversation 
soon turns to the unique proposition of their boys. 
Soon there appears a difference of opinion among these 
men staid and true, which may be considered but a 
natural sequence as people go, for how often do three 
people exactly agree upon any one point, and yet, our 
reader will likely surmise, that is about what our trio 
of youth are going to attempt, but it is not what they 
are proposing, however. The compact between them 
calls for no agreement whatever in matters of detail 
in any material way, each one will be monarch absolute 
of all he surveys in his own field of operations, and 
is not to receive dictation in any degree whatever, from 
either of his co-associates. 

These parents have not inspected the compact 
drawn up by the boys, thus have but the ordinary 
traits of human nature to base their opinions upon, 
however, they have known that the boys are very fond 


25 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


of each other and have always been in perfect accord, 
yet it is difficult indeed for them to realize, that they 
are materially different from the average. Quarry man 
Hart, however, seems much inclined to let the boys 
try the game out, considering it certainly a novel propo¬ 
sition and believing he can see good points involved. 
Finally, proposing to the others that each hand over 
to his own boy a sum as a “majority endowment,” with 
an agreement to lend their name for an equal amount, 
when the boys have established a footing each in their 
own line, that will warrant and secure the loan. After 
some further argument and urging by the contractor, 
the others jocularly consent to his proposal. 

The amount of endowment fund decided upon, as 
looked upon in later days, is modest indeed, but these 
solid old citizens believe that a boy will result much 
better, with a little to start with than with surplus at 
hand. Farmer Kent ejaculates, “Nobody ever gave 
me any capital to start out on, except that old farm 
all mortgaged up and run-down, with an old gray mare 
spavined all over, and a wheezer besides, with all of 
this added to a yaller gander and two spotted geese, 
with a heifer cow that was about my own age, having 
so few teeth that we had to mush her feed. This, I 
say, was about what come my way as an endowment. 
But times are changed a good lot since them days, so 
perhaps I ought to do better than that by my boy 
Jonas, but, my gaddy, if Jonas makes a failure of it, 
it will discourage my ambition and about crack my poor 
old heart. My daughter Charity considers me pretty 
far gone, when I will consent to help on such a wild and 
weird scheme as that. She says it would help me more 
in after life, to give that money to some of them mis- 
sioner fellers, but as to that, I cal’late our ‘meetin’ 
house’ comes afore of them missioners, if it comes 
down to the nice point of either one of ’em.” 

Contracter Carter said: “I had to start with noth¬ 
ing and I have managed, by shrewd figuring and hard 


26 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


work, to keep what I started with and I hope Basil will 
do as well in proportion. Anyhow, I believe he should 
have a chance and if he fails to make good, it will show 
him about what his level is, then if he makes a new 
start will perhaps show up some better. My brother 
Amos come out rattling hard on me for nearing second 
childhood, saying, T believe that the court orter put 
a conversator on top of you, and I think perhaps it 
will do little harm if it puts on two. It has been said, 
you know, that “misery loves company,” and that is 
how them crazy looney boys have worked on your sym¬ 
pathies and intelligence, until they have manufactured 
a looney out of you’. If that boy fails to make good, 
ther’ll never be no more peace within my humble 
threshold.” 

The quarryman had his troubles also, concerning 
that “endowment policy.” Aunt Eunice, a maiden 
sister, was often heard from upon occasions and here 
was an occasion that loaded her up. After hearing 
all about the proposition of the boys and then that 
“endowment giving,” as she termed it, she proceeded 
to shoot off her rapid firers, thusly: “Now, Silas Hart, 
I am going to tell you something, I have stood serenely 
by you for several sun-ups and looked on to some of 
the goings on that have been a going on, and when 
a man, a man, Silas Hart, of your pretended caliber 
of important importance, has gone and procured by 
‘some mysterious process’ and then reared, a boy, who 
has already proved to have more wits than his father, 
and that boy has creditably passed through his degre- 
dation exercises and received a deplomatic equipment, 
all sot out on parchment, and then formed a junction 
with two other classmates and former playmates, to 
sally forth into the busy world and make something 
worth having of themselves, you, you, Silas Hart, 
have the audacious audacity, to combine a combina¬ 
tion with Farmer Kent and that contractor, to 
endow an endowment upon those darling boys, 


27 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


who have exhibited ambition enough to be am¬ 
bitious, of the immense sum of two thousand dol¬ 
lars, expecting them, Silas Hart, to go out with 
that and conquer the world, a princely sum that, 
indeed, why don’t you tell them to try hard and 
see how much of it they can bring back after they 
have conquered it? A nice sendoff that, Silas Hart, 
you had better take note that if an ignominious and 
total failure just happens to happen, you can thank 
yourself and your liberal cohorts for so pleasing a 
result. Further, if those ambitious boys had no greater 
mental capacity than their liberal sires, the allowance 
would probably suffice, and that is where, Silas Hart, 
the troublesome trouble altogether gets abroad. Your 
appreciation don’t appreciate worth a cent, just be¬ 
cause you started with nothing and ended in the same 
spot, means nothing, it requires but little real man 
to do that homely trick, you can’t possibly conceive 
that a brighter mind might fit larger conditions and en¬ 
vironments. I possess not a whole lot of good re¬ 
sources, all, every bit, in my own right altogether, 
but if the well wishers of Jonas Kent and Basil Carter 
will keep their full end up, T, Eunice Hart, spinster’, 
will add to Wesley’s pile already promised, ‘a whole 
thousand dollars’. Now, Silas Hart, you can see where 
appreciation can appreciate, and T, Eunice Hart, spin¬ 
ster,’ am willing to gamble that 'The Triple Alliance’, 
will make good and later shame these men with such 
mysterious ways, all out of a happy countenance.” 

The quarryman maintains an amused smile 
throughout the taking this dose of gossipy medicine, he 
long ago learned that when "Aunt Eunice” talks, she 
rapidly says things, and now, although much surprised 
at her siding this way, that she has put things together 
in so practical and interesting a manner concerning 
himself and his associates, that he must now believe 
that they have probably, made no mistake in granting 
the endowment and perhaps as she has said, it has 


28 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


been a trifle too small, but eases off his conscience 
a bit with the thought, that when the boys get well 
started we can if necessary hand over another slice. 

The days and evenings rapidly passed with much 
a doing among the young folks; it had become generally 
known throughout the town, that Basil, Wesley and 
Jonas were to leave town, in search of something in 
which to permanently engage. 

Thus far, the endowment proposition has remained 
a secret and it was intended to have it so remain, for 
the present at least; that it was a private matter any¬ 
way and so did not belong to the public, but the public 
wondered, nevertheless, what else could they do, other 
than to enter the employ of others? 

The best girl of each boy was also very much exer¬ 
cised at the prospect, one remarked “that it is really a 
gamble as to where will be our future homes.” Janice 
Kent reluctantly assumed, that the wild and woolly 
west, in the fastnesses of some gigantic mountain, 
w r as for hers, while Sybil Carter seemed certain to in¬ 
habit, the low and boundless plains of some distant 
state, but Betty Hart might be called upon to stay 
anywhere or all over, as Basil's whereabouts were al¬ 
together uncertain. 

These young people were fond of each other as ac¬ 
cident had paired them off, but they were young when 
that had first occurred, and were some shifting to 
occur in these premises, under these conditions it 
would not establish a precedent and mayhap, some¬ 
thing of the kind may here come to pass, as is some¬ 
times said: 

“A naughty slip between the cup and the lip, 

Can set people going, a-flip-er-ty flip.” 

One day the boys met at the old trysting place to 
consider plans for embarkation. It had been decided 
that each should in his own way, time and direction, 


29 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sally forth and absolutely alone, each entirely inde¬ 
pendent of the others, select his own opportunity, 
enter into the game as he may and at the end of one 
year, each and all return to their own homes for a 
reunion visit and to report. 

This last formal business interview continues for 
several hours, there is much to be said between them, 
and really, it is a most serious interview. Here are 
three lifelong chums about to separate and leave their 
old moorings, to float out upon the sea of life and, for 
the better or worse, meet the unknown as they shall 
find it. These boys are comparatively fresh, their ex¬ 
perience has been but a limited one, and yet, they im¬ 
agine it much greater than they afterward are forced 
to estimate it, when learning that one can never prop¬ 
erly place one's abilities and acquirements, before 
having witnessed a fair average of others, as they are 
to be found away from their own stamping ground. 
Thus these boys are to learn much and profit greatly, 
by what they observe during the next twelve months, 
probably finding that this year of exploration, is to 
prove for them the greatest educator of their lives, 
especially so in a practically commercial sense. 

These three boys possess book learning sufficient, 
but book learning alone to take out into the wide world 
is a poor asset, with which to meet and conquer the 
complications of a busy business life. 

These boys are as nearly equally equipped mentally 
and physically, as well can be brought about, while 
morally and financially, they each are the other's equal 
also. None have any bad habits whatsoever, even all 
abhor the use of tobacco and each is known to have, 
much the same regard and consideration for religious 
requirements. Although none are members of any 
church, they respect the profession of religion in oth¬ 
ers, and themselves are sticklers complete concerning 
all moral obligations, but dare not join a church of 
God, fearing they are not more able to cope with evil 


30 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


influences, than some of their acquaintances whom 
they believe commit sacrilege, in assuming to hold such 
position and follow divine precepts, arguing, that 
hypocrisy in any cause overshadows all other sins in 
their estimation, also claiming for themselves, that no 
man can accuse them of a wrong act in their dealings 
thus far with whomsoever. This, then, is the type of 
character that these boys are going out into the wide 
world with. 

The coming year is to be for these boys a year en¬ 
tirely given over to prospecting, although before the 
year is complete one or more of them, may have se¬ 
lected his baby and commenced its rearing. It is not 
incumbent upon them, however, to actually commence 
operations for commercial progress, until after the 
next official meeting. 

They possess much memoranda of how their sepa¬ 
rate enterprises are to effect the joint interests, and 
through what relationship, but have not yet drawn up 
the formal compact, that is to be formulated at the 
next meeting, when they will have become much bet¬ 
ter acquainted, with the details and environments of 
each proposition. 

The further have matters progressed and been 
talked over, the greater has become the interest of the 
parents, while now that the boys are about to leave 
their homes, the discouragement heretofore so lavishly 
indulged in, has turned about face to pleasing and 
helpful encouragement. The parents especially be¬ 
coming much exercised concerning this novel proposi¬ 
tion, it is believed to be exceptionally original, nothing 
of the kind ever before having been suggested so far 
as known by those concerned, thus is curiosity certain 
to run high, not only concerning the success of the en¬ 
terprise in general, but as to which of the boys will 
achieve the greater success, and thus be able to con¬ 
tribute the greater amount to the general fund, known 
as the parent of the enterprising family; none can 


31 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


forecast a possibility, however, inasmuch as the selec¬ 
tion involved, differs so greatly in possible expenses 
and profits. Mayhap one will say, “The mining propo¬ 
sition” is much more of a gamble than the others, and 
that to win in that, will involve much in the nature of 
luck, rather than in ability and tact exhibited in gen¬ 
eral management. Perhaps the ranch proposition may 
be considered much less a gamble than either of the 
others, but one will be likely to ascribe to this, profits 
greatly less proportionate with expense and risk. 
Again, the one taking up railroading may or may not 
find an opening in which, with the limited amount of 
capital available, he can acquire a sufficient interest 
to gain control and management, which he must do to 
be in position to carry out the compact made with the 
others. Thus, these several kinds of propositions are 
well known to the average public, as being wealth pro¬ 
ducers in quite different degrees, but ignorant com¬ 
plete are the unsophisticated, concerning profits that 
may accrue therefrom. 

A mine, generally speaking, if anything, is a great 
thing, and when not a great thing, then nothing. 

A ranch, is generally a pretty safe affair, but a long 
time is consumed in development to a profit basis. 

A railroad, is generally considered safe enough, but 
many are the perplexities and disappointing endeavors, 
between the joyful start and the goal of control, with¬ 
out which, it can contribute nothing to help forward 
our “Triple Alliance”, while our boys are out to ascer¬ 
tain which may be able to contribute the greater, to the 
profit fund of their cherished alliance, each one being 
determined to eventually surpass his associates in sup¬ 
port of the alliance fund. 

A day has been appointed when the boys shall de¬ 
part, they really are reluctant, the reflection that they 
are breaking away from the old moorings is not a 
pleasing one to them. Here, among relatives and ac- 


32 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


quaintances, have they lived their lives thus far in 
pleasure alone, theirs has not been the responsible 
position, it having been no part of theirs to provide 
even for themselves. They are now to drift for awhile 
at least, much as a derelict upon the wide, wide sea, 
with no special objective point in view, but wherever 
curiosity, luck, or inclination shall direct, moreover, 
they are out for what? Whenever pausing to con¬ 
sider the purpose of this extended trip, it certainly 
saddens this trio of youthful hearts. 

Brothers and sisters, parents and all tender asso¬ 
ciations are being left behind. The frolics of old school 
days and early manhood are being cast off, as among 
the has-beens of a happy existence. The young ladies 
of their preference are with fond thoughts, to be left 
behind to while away the time as best they may, while 
the boys uppermost in their thoughts, are supposedly 
abroad in the land seeking opportunity, wherein to 
settle down for acquirement of a livelihood and to pro¬ 
vide a home, a suitable home, for the ladies of their 
choice, a fireside for those whom nature shall kindly 
and reverently add to their families, as time shall roll 
pleasantly and profitably along. 

During the last week at home, the boys are much 
of the time in company with the lady of their choice, 
who shall say, or even guess, what may have passed 
between them what vows are made and promises 
taken, how great the sadness inhabiting their tender 
and inexperienced hearts. 

Little of tender sentiment is employed in the writ¬ 
ing of this life story, that being largely left to the ten¬ 
der imagination of the reader. This being not a full- 
fledged love story, the absence of excessively tender 
sentiment can be excused, because being substituted 
by material considered more interesting. The practi¬ 
cal life of these young people, with the very unusual 
endeavor enacted being the proper subject matter, we 


2 


33 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


can but moderately touch upon the sentimental and 
be not harshly censured for the infraction. 

The morning arrives for the young adventurers to 
depart. They are to journey together as far as New 
York city, then, after a day in doing the city, are to 
take leave of each other for the full period of one year. 
Who shall attempt to follow them, who shall imagine 
wdiat are the vicissitudes they shall encounter, what 
bitterness may worm its way into their hearts, wheth¬ 
er self-reproaches or others shall torment their souls? 
Stop and ponder a bit, dear reader, upon the peculiar 
undertaking herewith undertaken. 

The goodbys are expressed in much the same man¬ 
ner as is usual upon such occasions, the mothers of the 
boys appear to take the parting the more seriously, as 
a fact, they completely break down, words will not 
come through their lips, but rivers of tears burst forth 
from their eyes; it is indeed a sad and affecting sight 
to behold, this first real parting to return no more for¬ 
ever as of old, no more ever to be considered as the 
home of these venturesome boys. 

It is these sensitive features, that so strongly come 
home to the aching hearts of these fond mothers. A 
person with a less tender heart than a mother, may 
imagine this scene to be overdrawn, but have such ever 
been present upon a like occasion ? 

The young people enact naturally the parting scene 
at the railroad station; many in the village have 
learned of the departure and a large crowd has assem¬ 
bled as they declare, to see the boys off and give them 
“a hearty godspeed.” 

Quite generally it has become known that they are 
going off together to act in concert, in some enterprise 
that they may select, but further than that none are 
able to go. 

The girls being sisters, as well as sweethearts of 
the boys, are at full liberty, by common consent, to act 
as loving and affectionate as they are wont to do, 


34 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


causing no unfavorable comments, however much ten¬ 
derness may be displayed. With no conventional han¬ 
dicap present the girls neglect not their opportunity, 
to give and take whatever may be going and coming. 

The toot and the ring, out and off to pastures new, 
ride the future proprietors of our “Triple Alliance,” 
leaving those remaining behind to wonder with fond 
hopes, for the safety and success of those young adven¬ 
turers, whom all are believing will eventually make 
good. 

It is said that some of the girls repaired to their 
rooms and just had a good cry, then came forth with 
brave hearts to await the coming of news from the 
front, as though their heroes had gone forth to battle, 
which in very truth they had, but to battle in cpm- 
merce for gold, instead of in war for blood. 

It was indeed lonesome, after the departure of those 
three boys, for really taken as a whole, they had been 
much toward the sum total in the social life of that 
grand old town. Never had there been anything of a 
public character in a social or entertaining way that 
they, as a whole, had not contributed largely to make 
a success, often originating the affair themselves. 
Upon no occasion whatever can it be remembered that 
they had not been involved. One had never been sug¬ 
gested for anything in any way alone, it being gener¬ 
ally known throughout the village, that “one in, all 
in” and “one out, all out,” was ever the slogan with 
that trinity of boys, while they severally and collec¬ 
tively, really could appreciate no other way to deport 
themselves. 

These boys had no enemies in the village, although 
much innocent mischief was pulled off by them during 
school days. The people all liked these boys and it 
was believed the well wishes and godspeed given at 
their departure, was a sentiment universally and sin¬ 
cerely handed out; none doubted their ability and dis¬ 
position to make good in their present endeavor. 


35 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


After the boys had departed, the girls heretofore 
so closely in touch with the “Triple Alliance/’ seemed 
to nestle more closely together than before the boys 
had departed, on the principle, perhaps, that “misery 
loves company” or, “sympathy desires to sympathize.” 
They were much together and it may be guessed, that 
sometimes remarks were dropped between them con¬ 
cerning the boys, for nature is ever bound to assert 
its right and what more natural, than an occasional 
thought of the absent ones, when they might consider 
their own welfare involved in the purpose of this 
absence ? 

Janice, Sybil and Betty, being perhaps the more 
involved, and yet, Bella was alway present with them, 
for the twins were seldom apart, and so strongly al¬ 
lied it was often remarked, that however in the wide 
"world will they manage to receive courting attentions 
from male associates, while, with the understanding 
that was supposed to be present between Betty and 
Basil, however was it brought about? Some sug¬ 
gested, it was consummated through a dumb language 
expressed with the eyes. While no actual engagement 
was known to exist, this mode of communication could 
be made to accomplish the trick, even in the presence 
of a third party, but Bella did not consider she was a 
third party, for it had seemed to make little difference 
to Basil, which of the twins he happened to be with, as 
a fact, it may be doubted if he ever knew which one 
it was. 

None there were in the village who could posi¬ 
tively identify these girls, being an exact copy of 
each other, and knowing it so well themselves, they 
would as often answer to one name as another, 
whenever it became essential to employ a name, 
generally, however, it was simply Miss Hart, and all 
seemed satisfied with that. These girls not only 
exactly resembled each other in appearance, but as 
closely they resembled each other in disposition, 


36 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


movements, voice, likes and dislikes, thus, upon 
many occasions, Basil had, as he supposed, been out 
with Betty, when, in fact, it had been Bella. It can¬ 
not be said, however, that he had any preference, 
because he frankly confessed that he could discover 
nothing to prefer, while had he been required to 
make a definite choice, he undoubtedly would have 
agreed to flip up a penny, abide the result, and then 
have been obliged to tag the one chosen. 

During the demonstration of the parting at the 
railroad station, there had been no perceptible dif¬ 
ference in the affection exhibited, between Basil and 
either of the twins; it was simply a case of no dis¬ 
tinction, either with or without a difference and 
much curiosity was abroad among the people, even 
with the parents of the interested parties, as to what 
may be the final outcome. Jonus and Wesley often 
put it over on Basil, who always took it in good part 
by venturing, “I guess a day will come when it will 
properly work itself out, but whichever way the 
scales tip, I consider I shall obtain full weight.” All 
curiosity comers were generally treated to some¬ 
thing of this sort, regarding the courting endeavor 
of Basil, but one day his mother made a remark that 
Basil was well providing for himself, when she said, “I 
feel no concern whatever for Basil, so long as he 
plays a Hart, the game for him will be a winner.” 

Altogether speaking, the material available 
among this youthful combination of boys and girls, 
can be moulded into a general mix-up of compli¬ 
cated relationship and not exhaust completely, the 
limit of genius that might be employed, while many 
times and often has it been observed that: 

The early plans of men and mice, 

Often change for something nice, 

For who can tell, and who can name, 

The final end of a courting game? 

Aunt Eunice having remained rather uninitiated 


37 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


in the “courting game,” as generally carried on 
among young people, had often expressed her 
doubts of the wisdom in letting those twins go about 
all dressed alike; she always had said, some day it 
will make trouble for somebody and very likely they 
will share in it. Often had Aunt Eunice suggested 
that if they must be dressed alike, they should be 
tagged in some way for identification, but so long as 
only Basil entered the game, and he being but a par¬ 
tial counterpart of Wesley, the matter worried 
about by Aunt Eunice, had been allowed to slip 
along. All, however, had personally conceded that 
a day will come, when a distinction with a difference 
will assert its right, foiling the plan of nature to 
allow of no distinction. 

The twins themselves have always greatly en¬ 
joyed the perplexity, others have experienced con¬ 
cerning their identity, often allowing the wrong im¬ 
pression to carry for a while, while more especially 
pleasing has it been among their male friends, when 
often the ludicrous becomes prominent, sometimes to 
the discomfiture of a devoted young swain. 

These girls were a lively set altogether and the 
twins afforded the others much opportunity, to per¬ 
petrate a good joke upon a victim of perplexity. 
Moreover, the girl associates were often themselves 
deceived and liable, to address by the wrong name; 
generally, however, it made little difference as ap¬ 
plicable to one, applicable to the other as well or 
better, while the frolic trips merrily along. 

The absence of the especial male friends of these 
frolicking girls, does not preclude their presence in 
all attempts at social intercourse, they were present 
at all such functions and so jolly and witty, that they 
could not possibly be spared. Often was it remarked 
that without the presence of the Hart twins, a 
vacancy sure enough there would be present, more¬ 
over, the young men of the town so greatly enjoyed 


38 


A RURAL INHERITANCE 


the lively society of these girls, that should the de¬ 
parted adventurers neglect to ever return, but 
meager would be their regrets, especially so, per¬ 
haps, of one Basil Carter of the “Triple Alliance.” 

Withal, but one of the twins is supposed to be 
claimed by Basil, but however in the world are we to 
know which? exclaims one. When not knowing 
which, however can we keep off the grass, and not 
keeping off the grass will be dangerous when that 
Alliance returns, meanwhile the girls are greatly 
enjoying the uncertain situation. 

Many unexpected and ludicrous happenings are 
each day cheerily pulled off, generally prompted 
by the frolicking twins, who never seem weary of 
well-doing in the cause of frolic. Charity Kent, 
however, strongly expressed her estimation of such 
goings on, remarking one day to the good parson of 
the “meetin’ house”: “Sir, it is downright wicked for 
those Hart girls to thus masquerade, each under the 
colors of the other, to deceive every good intentioned 
person that comes along. It is just abominable, com¬ 
pletely so, and the good Lord will certainly punish 
all who aid and abet such goings on. Why, they are 
just making complete fools of folks, and I say it is a 
burning shame”. 

“But”, replied the parson, “the big book says, 
‘Judge not that ye be not judged'. Are not the Hart 
girls the very image that God made them? Can the 
leopard change his spots, and can you specify any 
really wrong act they have committed? Were you 
either one of them, would you become a recluse and 
entirely avoid people, because God had fashioned 
you after another, in a manner to make you uniden¬ 
tifiable among men? Now then, He, having done 
this to suit His own purpose, would you, then, en¬ 
deavor to thwart His plans to satisfy a whim of your 
own? If so, who could be obliged to carry the great¬ 
er guilt? Admitting that you would not do this, how 


39 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 

different would or could you deport yourself, than do 
those whom you are accusing?” 

Charity liked not this short, terse sermon and re¬ 
torted: “I suppose I am in the wrong, I generally 
am and wish I could hold my tongue. I guess I came 
upon earth at much too late a day and generation, 
that the present pace of the world is much too fast 
for one, who generally regards the fitness of things, 
while believing she controls the courage of her own 
convictions, and should not be blamed, because she 
cannot make a faulty wrong appear to her as a 
righteous right.” 

The parson retorted, “Look after thine own 
fences , Charity, and donate the same privilege to 
thy neighbors.” 

Soon after leaving Charity, the parson met Amos 
Carter and Amos also was much perturbed, at the 
way certain young people are deporting themselves, 
singling out “them deceivin’ twins” by asking the 
parson, “Is it not a part of your duty to check sech 
goin’s on in this ’ere village? Actually now, I be¬ 
lieve these twin girls are as guilty as ever Peter was, 
when he caused the cock to crow, for they are prac¬ 
ticing as much deceitful deceit as Peter did and are 
betrayers of every distinctive definement, that their 
sex has been endowed with by Almighty God, all in¬ 
tended to serve a better purpose, than a flirtin’ with 
decent and desirable young men, who are too un¬ 
lucky to keep out of their fascinating fascinations 
and go by on the t’other side. I sympathize much 
greatly with such as cannot leave such rubbish, to 
the dogs of credulity, or perhaps it is frivolity, I 
don’t think it makes much difference which.” 

The good parson is now wearing a broad smile 
and this pleases Amos, thinking he has made a good 
hit, which appears to him as having pleased the 
parson, until the parson reminds him that “the dogs 
of war are ever upon the track of innocence, with 
the accusation of ignorance the incentive of their 
tongues.” Wondering just what that meant, Amos 
departed. 40 


CHAPTER II 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 

The members of “The Triple Alliance” had sep¬ 
arated, the second morning after arriving in New 
York. They parted with every aspiration of hope 
and courage, they were truly now sauntering forth 
to pastures new and worlds unknown in their limited 
experience, each at first to make for himself a foot¬ 
ing upon which to stand and engage in the life work, 
of contributing to the support of “The Triple Alli¬ 
ance.” 

As they participated in the parting handshake, 
it was believed they each possessed the same degree 
of ambition and desire to equal, if not excel, the 
success of his associates. Each had schooled him¬ 
self up to a point of determination to win out and 
thus, had fortified himself as best he knew how to 
successfully meet and conquer, whatever adverse 
conditions shall cross his pathway, while each one 
realized the great responsibility resting upon his 
first business act, i. e., the selection of his “stamping 
ground,” and each well knew that upon this, his suc¬ 
cess as a unit of “The Triple Alliance”, and inci¬ 
dentally, “The Triple Alliance” itself depended. 

Whether or not the reader will be able to fully 
realize the sum total of the difficulties, likely to en¬ 
viron these ambitious and truly persistent charac¬ 
ters, may depend largely upon whatever has been 
his observations and actual experience, with the com- 
merically intriguing world as generally conducted, 
through the practice of the “hard crusted solons” 
in dealing with youth, who have been righteously 
and innocently endowed, with a high degree of moral 
principle and honesty of purpose. 

It is this point that should concern the friends 


41 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


of these boys, who had wished them a kindly god¬ 
speed and set themselves at the annoying task, of 
“watchful waiting” for results from the battle. 
These elderly people had long ago learned, to their 
sorrow, that Satan is ever pressing forward, in the 
garb of a human form, the most atrocious practices 
possible in pursuit of “mammon, the god of the evil 
one,” and they also realized, with many forebodings 
that these innocent boys could not avoid meeting 
the intrigue, that will be forced upon them through 
their ignorance, by the “human hog”, and often be 
obliged to pay tribute where tribute should not be 
due. It is this point that the writer endeavors to 
emphasize, fair play receives no consideration what¬ 
ever from the “human hog,” thus when our boys 
later meet and conquer him with the high principled 
tactics, they know no better than to use, verily, the 
gods of heaven and earth as well, sit up and shout, 
“To the worthy conquerer belong the spoils.” 

(Basil) 

The wanderings of Basil seem to attract our at¬ 
tention first. He had gone north from New York 
city with the idea that Northern New York state 
might afford something in the line of opportunities, 
for the promotion of some type of transportation, 
thinking perhaps there might be localities bordering 
upon the lakes, where a railway of some sort had 
been overlooked, in the development of the rural 
country thereabouts. 

The further he went and the more he saw, the 
more difficult it appeared to him to obtain what he 
desired, for it seemed that every corner possessed 
worlds of people, who seemed to have a full equip¬ 
ment in transportation. It was surprising to Basil, 
how completely the country seemed supplied, with 
all necessary and perhaps superfluous means of 
transportation. Often the thoughts of Basil, when 
traveling across country, would revert to the query, 


42 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


“Have all such opportunities as I am in pursuit of 
been pre-empted? Is this great country already 
complete? What then, is to be the prospect for yet 
unborn generations, what chance for the young man 
of the future to gain more than a livelihood? How¬ 
ever can ambition be satisfied? He who inherits or 
acquires ambition and enterprise, will become of no 
greater benefit to the world, than he of the mud 
shovel brigade, commercial genius will count for 
but little and with such a prospect, every human 
being will be entitled to sympathy and even pity, for 
having the ill luck of having been born.” 

But these morbid thoughts served not to produce 
regret or discouragement. Basil was yet bigger than 
such conclusions could encompass, the determina¬ 
tion with which he had started out, could battle miles 
of such appearances, there were, and he well be¬ 
lieved there were, many better things available than 
those he had jotted down. Somewhere, some oppor¬ 
tunity even up to his size, was yet awaiting the com¬ 
ing of a developing character, with arms extended 
and crying out, “Come hither, good Samaritan, and 
take me in, for I know I am worthy of your noble 
consideration, I know I can satisfy even your ambi¬ 
tion and make good, your high ideals of being serv¬ 
iceable to the world.” 

As Basil travelled onward, he often jotted down 
some data which it is not essential to reproduce here. 
When out about two months he found himself in the 
metropolis of Colorado. Here he mused, “is a stun¬ 
ning city, a live town indeed, I would not object to 
coming here, but here are present sufficient live 
wires to discover everything worth having, and 
thus it can be no suitable place for Basil Carter, who 
desires not a common business proposition. That will 
not fill the bill that I have to fill, the proposition that 
I must secure must be original, for anything I can 


43 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


turn in to the ‘Triple Alliance' must come through 
and under my own control." 

Basil had certainly taken over a big contract in 
selecting his line, each day he had come to realize 
it more and more, but daunted he was not for yet 
one good while. 

Basil was out, however, to obtain the best the 
country had to offer; in fact, he knew he had to find 
the best possible, realizing he had a smart task 
before him, to finance a proposition of this kind 
and must have good talking points, as well as a base 
for a good proposition. He was familiar enough 
with human nature to understand, that people do not 
easily part with their money, while to carry out a 
proposition of this kind needed much of the public’s 
money, and he possessed not money influence suffi¬ 
cient to lead them along. Leaving Basil at this 
point in his exploring task, to hunt up one of the 
others, we decide to, for awhile, follow the meander- 

ings of (Wesley) 

Wesley Hart had seemed throughout school life 
the more venturesome of the three, and it was he 
who had proposed this unusual and original commu¬ 
nity of interests, and the selection he made of his 
life’s work would with many, bear out the belief that 
this trait of hazard was inherent with him to quite 
a degree, that mining is but a gambler’s tool that no 
conservative person will attempt to play with. How¬ 
ever, it is a well-known fact among intelligence, that 
many a man has met this tool to great advantage in 
acquiring wealth and influence, that otherwise would 
never have been his. The successful mining adher¬ 
ent well knows, that adverse comments concerning 
mining are conceived in ignorance, born of coward¬ 
ice and reared in jealousy, all being used in the 
cussedness, which comes from deciding a case before 
having heard the evidence, therefore employing ig¬ 
norance as the judge. 


44 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


Wesley had parted with the others it might be 
said, in higher spirits perhaps proportionately with 
what he considered, the possibilities of his chosen 
line over the lines selected by the others. He be¬ 
lieved a mining proposition to be, with proper and 
frugal management, capable of returning much 
greater profits, than possible with any other commer¬ 
cial line, and his audible thought was, “I believe I 
shall beat you both, in my contribution to The Triple 
Alliance'.” 

How different were the environments sought for 
in Wesley's sojourn, than were those which Basil de¬ 
sired to find. Basil must have population and business 
already located, before his chosen line could be made 
productive. Wesley was to tackle nature, crude nature 
in the crudest of its natural haunts, the environments 
must naturally and logically be distinctly unrefined, and 
greatly isolated from pleasing society, thus it meant, 
literally speaking, that as ordinarily located and prose¬ 
cuted, the chosen calling of Wesley Hart naturally 
prescribed, a separation from many of the agreeable 
things in ordinary routine of life, that Wesley Hart 
had habitually and delightedly enjoyed, but Wesley 
was determinedly loyal to the cause of his choosing, 
even were he obliged to locate remote from his pref¬ 
erence. But to compensate in some degree at least was 
the satisfaction, that his chosen business was of an 
original type and depended not upon the past efforts 
of man. The real base of the business of others must 
come from the product of his, especially if he selected 
a gold mine, and then, the monetary value of all min¬ 
erals, exerts much influence in the business market of 
the world, and Wesley audibly mused, “Much of the 
volume and condition of business in general, depends 
upon the storehouse of nature, all must come back to 
Mother Earth for the base of supplies." 

Nearly five months of Wesley's allotted time had 
passed and nothing tangible, had he to exhibit even 


45 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


to himself, but he was now within the sacred neighbor¬ 
hood of the Rocky mountains. 

What Wesley had in mind was to secure something 
he could capitalize if possible, and so obtain an addi¬ 
tion to his comparatively small pile, with which he 
could hasten matters and not be too far in the rear 
of the others, when getting into position to contribute 
toward the nest egg of “The Triple Alliance/’ This 
feature of the case must not be overlooked, although 
it had been considered by the boys, that it might re¬ 
quire a longer time to place upon an earning footing 
one proposition than another, yet each had an ambition 
to arrive on time. 

Wesley really had a preference for the gold digging 
proposition, there seemed to him a fascination in that 
which other minerals did not inspire, however, he could 
not afford to follow a whim too far, unless showing 
advantages. 

A little more than six months from the parting of 
the boys, Wesley found himself at Denver, Colorado, 
and realized he was in the much coveted gold district. 
After selecting his hotel and having been there a few 
days, he chanced to turn the leaves of the register 
upon the office counter. Often had he done this trick, 
but perhaps he could give no satisfactory reason had 
he been asked for one, and yet, why should he do it? 
These were pages completed long weeks ago, but what 
was his surprise, when turning over a leaf, to discover 
right there, before his very eyes and at the top of 
the page, “Basil Carter, Greenville, Mass.” Here was 
food for thought and interesting information, too, here 
had been his dear chum, here he had placed his hand, 
here he had left his mark and here he had been search¬ 
ing for “his baby.” What could have been his success, 
partial or complete, and Wesley fell to wondering as to 
the progress of both his associates. 

Denver being a city that especially interests 
strangers, Wesley here found much to interest him and 


46 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


had been there about two weeks, when casting his 
eyes along the columns of a paper, he espied an item 
that caused him to stop and ponder a bit. Why not 
investigate, certainly there may be a temporary op¬ 
portunity in that to rake in a profit. 

For some time past, Wesley's expenses had worried 
him a bit, his two thousand dollars were being eaten 
into, faster than he desired to contemplate and here 
seemed a chance to—well—it was a gamble, but really, 
Wesley exclaims, “Am I not out for something of 
that character, whatever I do must of necessity be a 
gamble, unless I shall enter the employ of another, 
and that, under the circumstances, is logically not a 
possible thing to do." 

Well, what had Wesley noticed that should cause 
him thus to muse? The item was an advertisement, 
inserted in the reading matter and formulated as news 
matter. Wesley had, since arriving in Denver, made 
perhaps several quite intimate acquaintances, two of 
them appeared to be quite fond of him and he also 
liked them. He had first met them all in the hotel 
lobby through casual self-introduction, they had been 
out together at the theaters and for drives around the 
country and all seemed to be socially inclined, however, 
Wesley endeavored to be a better listener than talker, 
these fellows being residents of the city, he reasoned, 
it is for them to disclose its secrets and its advantages, 
I am out for points and not to give them. Wesley was 
quite reticent as to himself and his circumstances, as 
well as his purpose in being present in the city, least 
of all did he divulge any thought, that might lead 
them to suspect he had any money aboard. 

The following day after Wesley had noticed the 
newspaper item, one of his new-found chums remarked 
to another one: “Say, Bob, did you see that item in 
last night's Globe, offering Old Man Hunt's property 
way out Third Street, for sale ? 

“Why, no," replied Bob, “what are they selling 
for?" 


47 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Why, it reads on account of old age, the old man 
is getting well along and you know there is no younger 
generation, probably thinks he might well take the 
good of what there is before passing.” 

“Well, Jack, had I the money I would try to worm 
into that, some day not far ahead either, the Gas and 
Electric Company are going to need that property, 
what they own there now, will not be sufficient upon 
which to carry out the plans, I understand they are 
making for the future.” 

“Yes, Bob, I have heard something about that too, 
and I wish I had the money, suppose we could together 
rake up enough money to satisfy him, perhaps there 
is a mortgage on it for some amount, how much can 
you find, Bob ?” 

“I have only five hundred in sight,” replied Bob. 

“That amount,” replied Jack, “is about my size, 
so I guess we won’t go far in that direction, until we 
can swap something for somebody’s money, but it is 
a good gamble for some fortunate chap.” 

While they were talking thus, in came another of 
Wesley’s new-found friends and the others, put the 
proposition up to him to join them and pool their issues. 

“By jove,” he replied, “that is a good one all right, 
if the price is not unreasonable, but I can hardly pull 
more than a thousand and I am afraid we can’t put 
the thing over.” 

Wesley had listened to all this with greater interest 
than he had allowed to appear upon the surface, really 
he had assumed an indifferent attitude, but as the 
wicked fellow had once exclaimed, “He kept up a devil 
of a thinking.” Soon two of the number departed, 
when in a casual indifferent manner, Wesley inquired 
of the other, “Wherever in this great city, is this prop¬ 
erty located, suppose likely it must be well out?” 

“Oh yes,” was the reply, “four miles or more, but 
the city is growing fast in that direction.” 

“Is it a valuable property, or of the cheaper class ?” 
inquired Wesley. 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


The reply was, “four to five thousand probably 
would be the price now, but it is worth it and more, 
too.” 

“Well,” indifferently replied Wesley, “there are 
probably a plenty who will go after it.” 

“I don't know about that,” returned the other, 
“it may lock up the money for several years, one 
can never tell about unproductive property here in 
the west, as a fact, the buildings involved are worth 
but little, the old man has never renewed anything.” 

“Is he a man of means?” inquired Wesley. 

“Yes,” was the reply, “fairly well to do, any¬ 
way.” 

Wesley's company soon departed and so did he, 
but in a very different direction and probably upon 
a vastly different errand. 

Wesley soon approached the clerk at the desk and 
inquired about Third Street and the proper way to 
get out to its end, learning that a trolley car line 
went through Fourth Street to its far end, and soon 
he was on the line. 

One hour later, Wesley found himself looking 
over the neighborhood of the property for sale. He 
inquired of a man passing where was the residence 
of Jabez Hunt, who he believed was a resident of that 
neighborhood, then inquired about the ownership 
of the property adjoining and was told, that the Gas 
and Electric Company owned the piece on the north 
side. 

“Who, then,” inquired Wesley, “might own that 
vacant lot beyond?” 

“I understand,” was the reply, “that it is under 
the control of the same company.” Wesley then 
walked on down the street past the property a ways, 
and then returning, as he neared the gateway of the 
Hunt place, an old man appeared at the door and 
came down the walk toward the gate. 

“A very good morning, my friend,” to Wesley, 


49 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


when Wesley replied, with a very happy smile upon 
his countenance. 

“Yes, Uncle, it really 'is a good morning’ and I 
hope I see you well.” 

“Yes,” replied the old man, “am well and if not 
so far over the divide, would yet consider myself 
good for some earthly purpose, but alas!” 

“No, not alas, my good friend,” replied Wesley, 
“your usefulness in this busy world is not yet com¬ 
plete, those gray hairs are an inspiration, they 
shine all over with a full equipment of honor, hon¬ 
esty, charity and good fellowship, I will risk the as¬ 
sertion that those gray hairs will not go down to the 
grave, with any stigma of unfavorable comment, or 
any lack of true and sincere regard.” 

“Well,” remarked the old man, “I size you up as 
a stranger in these parts, may I be very wrong?” 

“Not at all, Uncle, on the contrary you are very 
right. I have been stopping in the city about two 
weeks, my home is in old New England.” 

“Ah,” said the old man, “I guessed it, I guessed 
it, I was certain there was Yankee in your make-up, 
you are too greatly polished and too finely moulded, 
to belong to the wild and woolly west, you seem to 
be on a trip of observation, perhaps in quest of some¬ 
thing or somebody, mayhap I can be of service, you 
have but to command to the extent of my ability.” 

“I confess, my good friend,” was the reply, “to 
be out on a reconnoitering excursion, and before for¬ 
getting it, may I respectfully inquire concerning the 
ownership of the property next north of yourself?” 

“Certainly, I am pleased to tell you, that belongs 
to the 'Gas and Electric Company,’ are you out look¬ 
ing for property in this direction?” 

“Not especially,” replied Wesley, “but always 
I am in the market for a good opportunity.” 

“Well, well,” said the old man, “strange indeed 
that we have met just as we have. Why not put 


50 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


your eyes upon my property here, it is equally as 
valuable with that for any purpose.” 

“Why, I don’t know, what might be your price 
for the property, I am not a Vanderbilt or any other 
breed of millionaire, and probably I could not reach, 
my friend.” 

“Well, now, young man,” replied Uncle. “I am 
not out now for making money, as a fact, when I was 
out, succeeded but meagerly, am past needing a great 
deal and not able to properly care for this, it is too 
large a place for such as I and in selling, can per¬ 
haps make myself more comfortable. The Gas peo¬ 
ple have desired to own it, but they have been so un¬ 
fair and downright mean with me, in some dealings 
I have had with them, that I vowed I would not 
again deal with them. Some inquiries have been 
made by resident people here, but as I could not do 
business with them with any certainty, that they 
were not in some way connected with that Gas Com¬ 
pany, I have thus far remained clear of the whole 
bunch. But now that you are from so far away, I 
can feel quite safe in dealing with you and I would 
be pleased, to have you consider it on a price of forty- 
five hundred. There is a mortgage of fifteen hun¬ 
dred which can remain as long as interest is kept 
up, so there is but three thousand to raise and it re¬ 
quires no millionaire to find that, I reckon.” 

Wesley had now obtained the whole cue of the 
situation and found he was outclassed; as he had 
but about seventeen hundred of his capital left, he 
believed here was a good chance, but how could he 
handle it, he could spare fifteen, perhaps sixteen 
hundred for a while probably, until he could turn 
it at a profit. 

The old man noticed his hesitancy in replying 
and that he wore a more serious countenance, than he 
had yet seen upon him, but it was Wesley’s turn and 
it was up to him. 


51 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Finally, as if having thrown the matter over¬ 
board, Wesley in a sort of careless manner turned 
the subject, and that shifted the turn regarding the 
property over upon the old man, who said, “Young 
mam you seem to regard the price too great for this 
property, upon what do you base your estimation of 
its value ?” 

Wesley quickly retorted, “I have npt made any 
estimate of its real worth, my estimation has been 
entirely upon the worth of my present resources and 
the amount if needed, calls for a greater sum than my 
pocket possesses.” 

“Well,” replied the old man, “how much could 
you spare at present?” 

“Fifteen hundred,” was the reply, “possibly six¬ 
teen, but that would make close work for me, I 
guess.” 

“What might be your prospects for further in¬ 
come,” inquired the old man. 

“To guess at that might prove to be a gamble, 
true, I expect soon to get hold of more money, but 
the date of realization may for a few weeks remain 
a problem.” The old man looked Wesley straight in 
the eye with so piercing a look, that it greatly em¬ 
barrassed him. After a minute or two, with a kindly 
bland sort of smile, Uncle remarked: 

“Young man, in my day I have been considered 
an adept, at reading human nature through the coun¬ 
tenance, I have completed my study of yours and 
now I am going to make you a proposition, you are 
a very young man, you have your pile to make 
and you will make it, because of the honor, integrity 
and uprightness I have discovered present, I don’t 
even know your name, but I am certain I know 
you, now I will accept your fifteen hundred, with 
your note for the other fifteen payable in one year, 
this will find you time to even obtain the money 
elsewhere, or turn the property, if you wish.” 


52 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


“But,” replied Wesley, “I should not care to take 
over the property with any restriction whatsoever, I 
should want to be free to dispose of it at will, when¬ 
ever and to whomever.” 

Uncle retorted, “My young friend, if you buy this 
property, I should smile to witness dictation from 
anyone whatever, it is yours free and clear, except 
the mortgage, to dispose of or use at will. It would 
do my old heart good to aid such as you and I wish 
I were better equipped to grant you aid.” 

Wesley replied with a grateful countenance, 
wearing a happy smile. “Uncle, how can I ever sub¬ 
stantially recoup you, for what you are proposing to 
do for me, a stranger, a complete stranger. I can at 
present only heartily thank you.” 

“Ah, but that is good pay, my boy,” the old man 
retorted. 

They both repaired to the city and within one 
hour, the papers were drawn and properly executed, 
conveying that property to Wesley Hart, who had 
been prompted to purchase it through a desire to in 
some way, make his expenses and thus leave his orig¬ 
inal capital intact, until such time as he should need 
it, in settlement for “his baby,” when he shall have 
selected one. 

Wesley now felt gloriously happy, believing as 
he did and had reason to, that the Gas Company 
would relieve him of the property at a good profit, 
for had not several said, that the property was worth 
much more than he had paid? The evening papers 
announced the transaction and as he sat in the hotel 
lobby that evening, one after another of his new 
acquaintances trudged along, disclosing a set of men 
more greatly surprised than one often encounters. 
As one remarked, “You sly old boy, with a right 
smart Yankee trick. Why, in the first place, we had 
not the least idea that you had money. Had we, you 
would have certainly been invited to join us, in secur- 


53 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ing that jolly piece of property, but here you sat, 
mum as a house block, ignorant, innocent, indifferent 
and cussed, quite ready to swoop down upon the 
prize coveted by many in this old city, who had not 
had time to reach the old man. Am wondering what 
the Gas and Electric Company are thinking about 
at this time, when learning that the prize has been 
carried off by a party from 'Old New England’, 
really a d—n Yankee. Well, boy, if you manage 
that right, you will get your hard cash back and be 
glad you had the courage to visit this good old city, 
but 'still pigs don’t get my swill again’.” 

The next morning, Wesley was off on the western 
train, he had heard of some prospectively good min¬ 
ing properties located south of Denver City and was 
intending to inspect them the following week, but now 
that he had purchased that Hunt property decided to 
leave the state at once, make his tour, and return later; 
he did not wish the "Gas Company” to approach him 
at present, it might do them good to keep them at a 
distance for a time, and he could do it for several 
months without interfering with his objective point. 

(Jonas) 

By this time the reader may be in a quandry as 
to the whereabouts of Jonas Kent, and whether he ac¬ 
tually is, or is not, we left him in New York debating 
which train to take and have learned that he took the 
train going South, that he left that train at Washing¬ 
ton, D. C., having the idea of doing the Capitol of the 
nation, before cruising about for farms in the country. 
We do not really imagine Jonas expected to find the 
object of his search, right there on Massachusetts or 
Pennsylvania Avenues, but as he reasoned it, a man 
who expects to be a real man, should be able to say he 
certainly has done the Capitol, even if not having 
shaken the hand of the President, and when again re¬ 
turning to Greenville, he’ll have them understand, 
"he’s just been somewhere.” After doing the Capitol, 


54 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


Jonas took quite a circuit through many of the south¬ 
ern states, but nothing especially attracted him, it was 
not the kind of country he had imagined he should 
need, in which to hunt for “his baby.” After trudging 
along a couple of weeks, through several states east of 
the grand old Mississippi, the metropolis of the south¬ 
west held him a few days as he reasoned out, “princi¬ 
pally to get my bearings.” 

It was now up to Jonas to decide, whether his nose 
should be pointed westerly or southerly, which was 
finally decided by an incident of accident, in the form 
of the general collapse of a vehicle in which he with 
another happened to be riding, in remote outskirts of 
the city of St. Louis, which necessitated quite a long 
walk to the nearest trolley line, and thus, these two, 
being thrown together through so crude a method, 
naturally acquired a friendship engendered through 
“sympathies in misfortune.” Jonas found the fellow 
a sociable sort of a chap, while with a situation much 
in common to coax a fraternal feeling, they became 
quite familiar, and so much so that they were often 
together during the remainder of Jonas' stay in the 
city. Much had been said respecting personalities and 
purposes, resulting in their becoming very good 
friends; Jonas had learned that the home of his friend 
was at Joplin, the extreme western end of the state, 
he had come on to St. Louis to look after some prop¬ 
erty a friend of his had inherited. Jonas having de¬ 
cided to take the northerly route, they would travel to¬ 
gether to Springfield Missouri, where his train 
branched off northerly. The stranger having learned 
of Jonas' mission, promised to watch out for anything 
in that line and would notify him if having his address 
at any point, thus Jonas agreed to keep him posted, 
with an address ahead of present location and they 
parted good friends. 

Jonas was to ride all night on that train, thinking 
to hasten his progress, knowing as he did, that he had 


55 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


an almost endless trip before him, having fully real¬ 
ized by this time, the boundless and inexhaustible 
country and resources of Uncle Sam’s farm; true, he 
might soon find “his baby,” and he might not for many 
a day or week. 

Along in the night somewhere mid-way, a jerk, a 
pull and a twitch, and flying went the people in any old 
direction, with the car turning turtle as often as it 
could in coursing down a high embankment. Soon, a 
bump and they had arrived on time which had not 
been scheduled, but they were liable to no further 
head-on, for certain it was, that no other train could be 
coming on their track from the opposite direction, or 
any other for that matter; there they were in all sorts 
of conditions and torture. Many were injured, some 
were dead, and a pitiable scene indeed it was to those, 
who had been fortunate enough to escape injury, and 
Jonas was one of these. True, he had some scratches 
where blood was visible and running down his cheek, 
with one wrist badly sprained, but with this he consid¬ 
ered not that he was injured, with others all about in 
much pain and calling for help. 

An elderly couple had sat across the aisle from 
Jonas, and during the evening, quite some conversa¬ 
tion had passed between them, to the time when their 
berths had been made up. Soon as they had landed all 
secure, Jonas at once bethought himself of this old 
couple and at once undertook to discover them, but one 
night as well search for “a needle in a haymow,” as 
it was pitch dark and two score of people, had been 
tossed into a conglomerated mass of confusion, which 
augered not much as a result of the search. It seemed 
to be first come first served, one could not heartlessly 
walk over and across that suffering humanity, even 
though a brother might need his assistance badly at 
the other end. 

After pulling out several, Jonas heard a faint cry 
as of one in great pain. He knew it to be the voice of 


56 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


a woman and he imagined it was an elderly voice, and 
at the same time he discovered a cry for help that 
seemed a stifled utterance, as though one was put to it 
for breath. He worked along as best he could to reach 
the source of these cries, with a premonition that they 
came from his elderly friends, and soon he was by the 
side of the old man and found him snugly pinned down 
with a bar of wood across his neck, while had it been 
pressed a quarter of an inch further, it would have 
snuffed him entirely out. He could barely breathe as 
it was, otherwise, he was free and as comfortable as 
could be under these conditions. Jonas attempted to re¬ 
move his anchor, but the old man warded him off, with 
an anxious supplication to find and assist his old wife. 
Guided by that voice of pain, Jonas soon reached the 
old lady and found, a bar of iron had caught her hand 
and crushed it near the wrist. Here was a dilemma, 
if indeed it were wood he could probably find an ax 
and soon relieve her, but what could he do with that 
bar of iron, he wanted a match. “Oh, for a match,” was 
his prayer, but not being a smoker he carried no 
matches and for once in his life, he greatly wished he 
was a smoker. Finally, he discovered the complete 
location and fastening of that bar and believed could 
he obtain something for a lever, he could raise it suffi¬ 
ciently for the old lady to withdraw her imprisoned 
hand. His own wrist was paining him badly and was 
not a great sight better than no hand, to assist in the 
strenuous task present, but he endeavored to ignore 
the pain in his own hand, for the sake of relieving 
this poor old lady, who was so much worse off than he. 
In a few moments he had managed to obtain a lever¬ 
age, that he thought sufficient to spring that bar a bit 
and asked the lady to pull her hand when she felt 
the least give in the bar, he jumped upon the lever 
with all the force possible, while the old lady promptly 
did her part and the hand was relieved. The contin¬ 
ued pain had so weakened her, that she could not rise 


57 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


and the debris was so thick and plenty that he could 
not get where he could raise her alone, thus, she being 
partially and temporarily relieved, he sought the old 
man again and proceeded to relieve him from his 
straight jacket, but first the old man must be certain 
this his lady was comfortable, before he would consent 
to anything being done for him. Gallant knight that, 
even in comparatively helpless old age. Jonas assured 
him she was as comfortable as could be brought about, 
until he could obtain assistance to raise her to an up¬ 
right position. At this the old man became full of fire 
and declared, he must at once be helped out. 

Jonas now endeavored to raise his obstruction, with 
the same method employed in the other case, but did 
not succeed and hunted for an ax or a saw, which 
never come handy when most needed, but dogged per¬ 
severance will generally produce something and he 
stumbled upon an ax, straight against the cutting edge, 
which went through the toe of his shoe and away into 
his foot. Soon again at the old man's side he endeav¬ 
ored to swing the ax and found his wrist so lame it was 
difficult to swing it at all, thus full execution was out 
of the game, and so slowly did the work progress, that 
the old man became peevish and said some sharp 
things, but he was really blameless because he could 
not properly grasp the conditions present, but time 
and bull-dog tenacity will generally win some degree 
of success, and thus the old man was duly chopped out, 
when they at once got busy in elevating the old lady 
to the perpendicular just as a man appeared with a 
lantern, when they could take account of stock a bit 
to discover where they were at. When the old lady 
noticed the blood running down the cheeks of Jonas, 
she at once exclaimed: “Oh, dear, you are badly hurt, 
too," and the lantern happening to shine on Jonas' 
feet, the old man noticed blood oozing from his shoe 
and exclaimed: “My God, man, you need attention 


58 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


quite as much as we do and here, you have been ham¬ 
mering away to relieve us.” 

“Oh, no,” replied Jonas, “those are but flesh 
wounds and will soon heal, my worst pain comes from 
my wrist which was badly sprained, when I first dis¬ 
covered myself after we first landed.” 

“Now, I can see,” cried the old man, “why you could 
not wield that ax better and more effectively. I owe 
you a thousand and more apologies for my unkind re¬ 
marks, as long as I have lived in this selfish world, I 
now observe I have not conquered the accursed self¬ 
ishness, that was settled upon me at birth, really, I 
would not have believed I could become so un¬ 
reasonable.” 

They were soon out of the debris and reached a 
wagon that stood near. The man with the lantern said, 
they were the last to be got out and had landed in the 
worst part of the wreck. 

After reaching the town and the doctor, the old 
man would not receive any attention until after Jonas 
had been attended to, in fact, he needed little for he 
had but an acute sprain and a small abrasion upon his 
neck. After they were all comfortably situated, the 
old gent inquired many things concerning Jonas, his 
home, his circumstances, his purpose in life and the 
present mission that had placed him upon that ill- 
fated train. The following three days they spent most¬ 
ly together, upon the train and at the hotel after they 
arrived at Kansas City. The old people seemed to take 
much pleasure in listening, to what Jonas had to tell 
them of his environments and purposes, leading him 
along some further than he was wont to talk of him¬ 
self and affairs, however, they extracted from him the 
whole scheme of his ambition, in connection with the 
compact made with his associates and over and over 
again, the old man burst out laughing at the “original¬ 
ity,” of such a plan as those school boys had entered 
into, remarking: “I have enjoyed the novelty of the 


59 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


thing greatly and will be much pleased to learn, if it is 
possible in human nature, to carry such a unique and 
unusual proposition, through to a satisfactory ac¬ 
complishment. 

Jonas assured him, he believed it could and would 
be done by them. When alone by themselves, these 
old people discussed Jonas and his aspirations much of 
the time, the old man declaring that if that affair suc¬ 
ceeded to the satisfaction of those boys, it would serve 
as an object lesson to prove, that the brotherhood of 
man had finally become of some purpose upon this old 
earth, that in place of fiction pure and simple, it had 
become an actuality in very truth. Now, these old 
people had no children and they were well to do; they 
both desired to compensate Jonas for what he had 
done for them, and after hearing his story, were great¬ 
ly interested in some peculiarities that he uncon¬ 
sciously had betrayed; his frank and clear manner, the 
evident true and straightforward character that he 
possessed, had captured their interest and touched 
their hearts in his behalf. 

The last evening they were to remain together, the 
old man opened up on Jonas from a business stand¬ 
point, remarking: “We are greatly indebted to you, 
Mr. Kent, for service rendered, and have decided to 
remunerate you abundantly for that service, but hav¬ 
ing learned what we have concerning your prospec¬ 
tive enterprise and believing, you to be not sufficiently 
equipped financially, for the prompt and successful 
accomplishment of the proposition, we shall be much 
pleased if you will advise us in what way, and to what 
extent we may aid you,” adding, “we both simply and 
thoroughly believe in you.” 

Jonas replies to this kind and considerate prop¬ 
osition with: “I do not consider any obligation is 
present between us, certainly not, unless I be the 
debtor. First, at the wreck, I did no more than was 
my bounden duty. One should not be compensated 


60 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


for performing his duty, again your proposition to 
aid me, an entire stranger, is not in good business 
taste and principle, certainly, unless it can be ac¬ 
complished within strict accord with cold business; 
true, I am a young man having at present but small 
capital, to offset perhaps too great an ambition, and 
this may cause me trouble, however, I am in it and 
as ‘a quitter/ in my estimation never gets anywhere, 
thus a ‘quitter' I shall never be, upon my own voli¬ 
tion." 

“Well," retorted the old man, “you shall not pre¬ 
vent me from executing my will, in compensation for 
your dogged determination to fish us out of that 
beastly wreck, when your own sufferings were quite 
the equal of ours, and I reserve the right, to deter¬ 
mine the value of the service rendered." 

As it was now some late and they not entirely 
over the ill effects, from loss of sleep the first night 
following the wreck, owing to the pain present, the 
old lady suggested they all retire. 

“Yes, yes," cried the old man, “and we will meet 
again in the morning before departing." 

Jonas experienced some unusual sensations as he 
retired that night, musing: “Here, accident has 
thrown opportunity across my pathway. I was 
placed where it would have been the duty of any 
man to act and none, but an idiotic brute would have 
refused, each person’s cause in such a case becomes 
but a common cause, humanity would not be human¬ 
ity at all, that acted for recompense under such con¬ 
ditions, and he who will stoop to accept proffered 
aid, for such service as I have rendered, can possess 
but little self-respect and no regard whatever for 
others; in fact, would actually be but a bundle of 
accursed selfishness, but what shall I do? I am sat¬ 
isfied they intend to compensate me, and I fear, 
should I refuse absolutely to accept their bounty, 
it will cause them much grief." Thus, finally, Jonas 


61 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


decided to accept their generosity, should it be not 
too generous, realizing that a moderate sum to them, 
would be a colossal addition to his small pile, which 
was each day being reduced by his expenses. 

Upon the arrival of morning, with the glorious 
sun stealing in upon them, the old people were early 
up and stirring, some fate decreeing that they should 
meet with Jonas to descend in the same elevator. 
The glad good mornings were passed and Jonas was 
invited to accompany them to the parlor, before en¬ 
tering the dining room. 

After being seated the old man said: “I have 
labored hard and seriously during a good part of the 
night, in endeavor to ascertain what will satisfy me 
as being a suitable recompense, for the strenuous and 
persistent effort put forth by you, in our behalf at 
that horrible wreck.” 

Jonas here interrupted the old man with, 
“Kindly remember, my good friend, that I previously 
told you, to not allow your generosity to become too 
generous, should you do so, it will make me feel un¬ 
comfortably mean.” 

“Now, my young friend,” retorted the old man, 
“I wish to inform you that neither would you like, to 
make myself and lady uncomfortable, so I trust we 
may be able and willing to compromise this little 
controversy, by leaving me scot free and open, to act 
the will of this lady and myself, and you free to will¬ 
ingly accept nothing, but that which your recent con¬ 
duct rightly merited. We have threshed this thing 
out to a just conclusion and can be satisfied with 
nothing short, the service rendered to each we have 
estimated at the same value and I have already 
drawn my check to cover the full amount, taking 
greater pleasure in handing the same to you, than in 
passing out any check I have ever before drawn. 
Kindly accept this, Mr. Kent, not as the sum in total 
of our consideration for you, but as appreciation in 


62 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


part of our regard for your actual worth, reserving 
the right, moreover, to remain in touch with you 
and your endeavor, by exacting from you occasional 
communications as to your welfare, and a promise, 
verbally, to advise me when at anytime I can serve 
you in any capacity, moreover, I am always to be 
kept well informed as to your whereabouts. Now 
my dear young friend, will you kindly subscribe to 
what I have suggested and acquiesce ?” 

Jonas had during the preceding remarks, re¬ 
ceived a check for two thousand dollars and his 
head had hung as if in shame, but now that it be¬ 
came his turn to orate, he at once threw off the hu¬ 
miliating and tolerant attitude, and rising from his 
seat with his head assuming an independent position 
and a broad smile upon his lips, he loudly and 
frankly disclaims any intention of refusing accept¬ 
ance of the money, or a compliance in every respect 
with the desired requirements, remarking further, 
“Either and both parties of this controversy have a 
logical, legal and moral right, to make proper restric¬ 
tions and requirements; thus, I for my part, must de¬ 
mand that you, as assumed benefactor, consider the 
amount of money involved as a loan and accept in 
return my promissory note, payable in two install¬ 
ments at one and two years.” 

The old man, whom we should call Mr. Duncan 
Shelby, remarks right here: “It is getting late for 
breakfast and we must adjourn to the dining room 
and visit at the table. Jonas assents to the plan but 
has strongly in mind the resolve, that Mr. Shelby 
shall not side-track his intention to treat the matter 
of the check as a loan. 

While at the table Mr. and Mrs. Shelby are espe¬ 
cially insistent, upon conversing regarding the future 
of the unique and original plan, under which the 
“Triple Alliance” is to live and maintain its own 
existence and, incidentally, becoming the crowning 


63 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


success of these ambitious and persistent young 
men, together with their own support and that of 
their loving cohorts with the families they may 
bring forth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shelby believe now, 
that they have more fully become acquainted with 
the proposition and the quality of timber, that the 
owners thereof possess in their general make-up, 
both morally and otherwise, and now believing it 
possible for “The Triple Alliance” to become a suc¬ 
cess, declaring, that “we shall watch its unfolding 
with unabated interest, and having nothing of our 
own to create any especial interest, can and shall 
center our attention upon this one, and with" the 
promised information to be afforded us by you, will 
at all times be prepared and waiting, for a call to 
help on the good work.” 

Jonas could hold his thoughts no longer and 
abruptly broke in with: “Now Mr. Shelby, let me in¬ 
terrupt you to suggest, that we adjourn to the writ¬ 
ing room to draw up the notes for this kindly loan, 
as it is nearing train time, when I must depart.” 

Mrs. Shelby at once retorted: “Now please do not 
spoil the delightful pleasure, we are at present in full 
enjoyment of, and, too, during the last few moments 
we are to remain together, by alluding to that insig¬ 
nificant matter, for you must know by this time, that 
it is wholly distasteful to us.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried Mr. Shelby, “Mother is right, 
she has a right to consider that she has already suf¬ 
fered sufficient from results of that wreck, of which 
this is one and the only one that did not give pain.” 

“Well, well” replied Jonas, “we will pass it for 
the present, for in our parting I desire that not one 
ripple of anything unpleasurable, shall mar the last 
fleeting moments of our present intercourse. We 
have known each other but a few hours, but I feel 
that in those hours, a deep and lasting friendship 
has obtained, a permanent abiding place within our 


64 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


sacred precincts. Train time was at hand and Jonas 
must depart, certain it was that never had there been 
a parting between a son and parents, that could be 
more affecting and regretful than was this; tears 
rolled down the cheeks of the old people and the old 
lady simply could not articulate, while Mr. Shelby 
could do little more than whimper. 

One morning the hotel clerk handed Jonas a let¬ 
ter, which proved to be from his friend living in Jop¬ 
lin, who had promised to advise him, should he 
learn of anything available to him in his search. This 
letter informed him that his friend had received 
from an acquaintance, the intelligence that “through 
ill health, he feels obliged to dispose of his ranch 
located in Texas/’ This friend wrote, that it was a 
very large property and a good one. 

Jonas had not been especially taken with any¬ 
thing he had thus far seen, thus promptly wrote his 
friend, “I will arrive in Joplin in a few days and will 
be much pleased to have you as traveling mate, to 
inspect the Texas ranch referred to in your letter, 
believing it to be something like what I am searching 
for.” 

Upon arriving in Joplin a few days later, Jonas 
at once sought out his friend and together, they set 
out for the “Lone Star State.” 

The owner of the property in question was, as he 
expressed it, “right smart glad” to receive them and 
bespoke at once for opportunity, to entertain them 
for a considerable period. Jonas was much pleased 
with the country and this property was located, but 
a comparatively short distance from Fort worth, 
while Jonas had already considered it practical to 
reside in that city, at least part of the time, should 
Mrs. Kent prefer it to actual ranch life. It was lo¬ 
cated on the Brazos river and this particular ranch 
had six miles of water front, a very unusual happen¬ 
ing, while it forbade two ranches in the rear, any 


3 


65 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


water front at all. Jonas had discovered this fea¬ 
ture before it had been brought to his attention, but 
considered it good business policy to appear igno¬ 
rant, of the advantageous conditions presenting them¬ 
selves, unless disclosed by the present proprietor, for 
was not he the one to exhibit his wares and point 
out their virtues, while he, Jonas, considered he was 
there to discover the defects? 

The herds of stock upon this magnificent prop¬ 
erty, were meager indeed, the present owner had 
really appropriated, but a small portion of the ten 
thousand acres, as the aged owner had said, “with 
my state of health it is but a crime, to hold down so 
much of nature's bounty to man." 

Jonas had practically considered all this beyond 
him, fully realizing that the property was worth 
many times his modest pile, but he was there to ac¬ 
quire something, if possible, perhaps the owner 
would consider a division of it. One morning after 
breakfast they sat upon the veranda, when Jonas, to 
make the thing appear either a possibility or an im¬ 
possibility, frankly put the question: “My good 
friend, what may be your price for this property? 
I am thinking it may be quite beyond my grasp, my 
pile as you can imagine, is a young pile and I was not 
born of wealthy parents. 

The owner replied: “The property is probably 
worth to any man who will use it entire, five dollars 
per acre, however, under the conditions present, I 
will sell it to you at three, provided you also take 
the stock at market rate." 

“That will be beyond me," retorted Jonas, “that 
means thirty thousand for the land, how much value 
have you in the stock?" 

“Around two thousand, I reckon," replied the 
owner. 

“Would you divide the land if one could see his 
way to make it?" 


66 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


“It should not be divided,” was the reply, “perhaps 
you have overlooked one condition, as a good reason 
why it should be kept intact, you see it holds the key 
to the lock that locks out six miles of water front, from 
use by the ranches in the rear, only as they pass their 
stock across this one, which by fencing they can¬ 
not do.” 

“Have they any right to pass over it when not 
fenced?” inquired Jonas. 

“Well, custom grants the right because nobody pre¬ 
vents, but only a fence across the back side from the 
river is necessary,” was the reply. “I have never made 
any use of the part they cross on, thus have had no 
occasion to object, but their herds are increasing so 
fast now, that the time is near when it will prove a 
damage. Now see here, my young friend, I will try 
to meet you half way, at least, there is a mortgage on 
the property of ten thousand dollars which can remain 
as long as needed, if you can arrange to take the stock 
and tools at two thousand dollars’ cash and can make, 
a cash payment of the same amount on the land, I will 
enter into a contract for the payment of the balance 
in installments, first, of two thousand a year for the 
first four years, and five thousand a year for the fol¬ 
lowing two years, allowing you six years to make the 
full amount, with interest at six per cent, payable an¬ 
nually. I have no boys coming up and so must sell, but 
shall not need all the money at present. I think you 
are a character that will make good on this.” 

Jonas’s friend, here spoke up, declaring: “It is a 
chance, Mr. Kent, that you should not allow to pass 
you by; if you cannot fully make the financial end, I 
have a little that you are welcome to.” 

Here Jonas came back at the owner with: “In 
what way can I secure you for these payments.” 

“The reply was: “I will give you 'a bond for a 
deed’ until you have made the first four payments, and 
then, make a warranty deed and take a second 
mortgage.” 


67 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“That is fair, very fair,” Jonas replied, “and un¬ 
der those conditions, I will decide to undertake the stu¬ 
pendous undertaking. I have present with me all that 
I can spare, twenty-five hundred and if my friend here, 
will temporarily loan me five hundred, we can draw the 
papers and close the deal today.” Thus, when Jonas 
slept that night, he was upon his own domain and un¬ 
der his own roof, and Jonas Kent had found “his 
baby,” but he quickly with a sigh realized, that he had 
bitten off a big bite, one that would require all that 
Mr. Shelby had believed was present in his personal¬ 
ity, to make good with this elephant upon his young 
back, audibly musing, “What will my conservative old 
parents, and even my associates, think of so reckless 
a proceeding, and really, myself as well? Am I a bit 
luny, or has my head taken a notion to join the swelled 
variety, and thus, am I some other than * Jonas Kent, 
from old Massachusetts?’ Indeed, I no longer belong 
to old New England, I have in very truth now emi¬ 
grated, ‘a Yankee’ no longer is Jonas Kent. Well, I am 
certainly in for it, no mistake about that.” 

Jonas and his friend remained about the place a 
couple of weeks, to enable Jonas to become familiar¬ 
ized, with the modus operandi of running a ranch, ar¬ 
ranging with the former owner to remain on the place 
until the following March, as he must go back east to 
pull himself together and perhaps, prepare to formally 
emigrate to the land of cowboys, to nurse and rear 
“his chosen baby,” but what will “Sybil Carter” think 
of a home so far distant, will she desert the ship abso¬ 
lutely, rather than consider a home of her own in this 
far distant state, who, pray, can definitely tell, and it 
greatly worried Jonas. This phase of the case had 
not appeared to him before, as it did now, that he was 
bound completely and committed entirely, and should 
she object, however could he help himself? Plainly he 
could not, thus while Jonas had enjoyed many sweet 
hours since that railroad accident, here come the bit- 


68 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


ter ones to counteract and overcome. The first regret¬ 
ful moments that he had experienced since entering 
the compact with his chums, now pressed down upon 
him as he tossed upon his bed in perplexity, but these 
unpleasant hours of reproach, did not long remain 
with him, he recalled the fact that Wesley, at least, 
would naturally have to seek “his baby” in some re¬ 
mote part of the country, for mining operations were 
not any part of crowded cities, thus some comfort was 
secured in the fact, “that misery loves company,” 
while Wesley and Janice, would undoubtedly become 
that company. 

Jonas well realized that he had to secure more capi¬ 
tal in some way, to operate the ranch as he must to 
meet his payments quickly and largely increase his 
herd. He figured that the first payment could be cared 
for with the note, his father had promised to endorse 
for him of two thousand, when he had secured a foot¬ 
ing that warranted its investment. Surely, he had 
done that, as several had told him the landed property 
he had purchased, was easily worth forty thousand. 
Naturally, now, his thoughts reverted to his old friend, 
Mr. Shelby, in connection with the raising of sufficient 
capital to work the ranch and increase the herd, and as 
this was free and clear, he could secure Mr. Shelby for 
two or three thousand dollars and perhaps, Mr. Shelby 
would try to accommodate him, as he had seemed so 
insistent upon being advised of his whereabouts and 
welfare. With these thoughts came some grain of com¬ 
fort and, as generally with youth, it is “hope on and 
hope ever,” but while recognizing a “hope deferred” 
possibility, never admit the possibility of a “forlorn 
hope,” so with Jonas Kent, who had enlisted for the 
war, with the implacable intent of winning, with 
sheathing never a weapon before reaching the goal. 

Jonas and his Joplin friend, whose name has not 
been mentioned, although Jonas now considers he 
merits one, is found to be Bert Smally, are rapidly ar- 


69 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ranging to depart, leaving the ranch, as they believed, 
in good hands, until Jonas could return from his trip 
east. It was well into December and Jonas had prom¬ 
ised to return by March, leaving instructions with his 
manager to watch out for opportunities, to acquire 
young stock of the female persuasion, particularly 
promising to forward the necessary money, to settle 
for all that could be purchased. 

A morning came with the train for Bert's home in 
Joplin, where Jonas intended to stop a few days with 
his friend. Soon after arriving in Joplin, Bert intro¬ 
duced him to his friend there, for whom he had taken 
the trip to St. Louis, when he and Jonas had by acci¬ 
dent met and became acquainted. This friend of Bert's, 
was a young man about the age of Jonas, had been 
raised there in Joplin as a comparatively poor boy and 
recently had inherited a snug sum, from an uncle who 
had resided and done business in St. Louis. As soon 
as the estate was settled up, he intended to make that 
city his home and enter, the same kind of business his 
uncle had engaged in. He had not, however, inherited 
all of his uncle's property and thus, it might require a 
year or more to possess himself of his portion. Bert 
introduced him to Jonas as “Mr. Ellis Slayton, an un¬ 
fortunate of single blessedness," adding, “and this is 
Mr. Jonas Kent, a victim of the same misfortune." 
“Avaunt there," cried Ellis, “who can tell we both 
don't beat you yet at your own game, too, for what 
have you to show against the crime of race suicide, 
after five years in the shackles of matrimony? Ha, ha, 
old boy, don’t you wish you had not come 'against the 
pricks, with your dirty kicks?' And Mr. Kent can hit 
you off as well, for I see it in his fighting eye." 

“Ah," retorted Bert, “I considered it not possible, 
that you fire up in that lamentable style." 

“But," replies Ellis, “it is tit for tat, you know, in 
real war, and why not the same tactics in a mas¬ 
querade?" 


70 


SEARCHING FOR BABIES 


The three boys were much together while Jonas 
remained, and by reason of much urging his stay was 
prolonged to nearly three weeks, and then had become 
so chummy with Ellis, that Ellis was invited to accom¬ 
pany him east and so look over the far end of Uncle 
Sam's dooryard, before entering life’s work in settling 
down to business, Jonas exclaiming, “It will do you 
much good, Ellis, and better fit you to assume full 
business responsibility.” 

“Yes, yes,” Bert butted in, “nothing in the world 
can do you so much good, go on, go on young man, 
never refuse a thing so good as that.” A few days 
later, Ellis decides to accompany Jonas east. Who 
then shall say, that this trip shall not prove for Ellis 
Slayton, the one of greatest importance throughout 
his complete career? Many new acquaintances are to 
be met with, including a lively and attractive pair of 
girl twins, which Ellis, we think, will be the proper 
boy to appreciate. 

Jonas had become very fond of his new acquaint¬ 
ance, he liked him much in every way, being greatly 
pleased at the happy prospect of such excellent com¬ 
pany, upon his long trip home, with the pleasing 
thought that opportunity is here afforded him, to ren¬ 
der Ellis a pleasing and valuable service, in interest¬ 
ing and entertaining a meritorious friend of Bert 
Smalley’s, who may, when arriving, appreciate the 
lively companionship that his chums and the girls can 
afford him, but who can tell, whatever of affection 
Ellis may be leaving behind. 

In conversation one day, Jonas mentioned to Ellis, 
“the Alliance” formed by himself and associates, when 
Ellis becoming greatly interested, emphatically de¬ 
clared the project to be, the most novel and fascinat¬ 
ing affair, he had ever known in any business transac¬ 
tion, wondering if such a scheme could possibly be car¬ 
ried out, to a complete and satisfactory finish, remark- 


71 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ing, “that a trio of men who can do that thing will 
certainly be remarkable.” 

Incidentally, Jonas spoke the name of Wesley Hart 
as one of them. At once upon hearing this name, Ellis 
interrupted with, “Here, wait a minute, Wesley Hart, 
now, awhile ago I accidentally met a person in the 
hotel with that name and we conversed an hour or so, 
he was greatly interested in the subject of mining and, 
say, he is a mighty bright fellow, is he one of your 
Alliance?” 

“Yes,” replied Jonas, “he is the mining end of it.” 

“Well,” continued Ellis, “if the other one is of the 
same type of the two I have met, I will wager that 
'The Triple Alliance' is a winner that the world will 
be proud of, while the parents and sweethearts of that 
novel and enterprising trio, are rightly in line for the 
heartiest of congratulations. God bless the whole 
bunch, Amen.” 

The boys are off upon a day and Jonas has in mind 
a circuitous inspection trip of it, that Ellis shall obtain 
a fair view of conditions, through different parts of 
the country and New York city especially. 

Wondering what Basil Carter has been up to all 
this time, the reader is asked to leave these happy 
chums for a season, to wend their way east, for Jonas 
to again meet home and friends, and Ellis to acquire 
much information, that will make for his profit and 
pleasure, while Basil can be relied upon to supply 
pleasing material in plenty and sufficiently interesting, 
to warrant another full chapter. 


72 


CHAPTER III 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 

Basil is a factor in the human family at this time 
that properly should be termed “en route.” When last 
referred to by the writer, in his persistent search for 
“his baby,” he had done the middle west and was 
working easterly, having jotted down several locali¬ 
ties that gave some signs of meriting consideration, 
having interviewed many persons regarding railroad 
facilities in their immediate neighborhood. Some ad¬ 
mitted that there might be projected a line here and 
there, but when questioned as to the amount of traffic 
that might be depended upon, were greatly obscure in 
their estimation, thus Basil found but little comfort 
in the prospect before reaching Pittsburg. Here was 
a lay-out that looked better than anything before met 
with, but there seemed a tendency on the part of a 
certain crowd, or lobby like, to block any attempt to 
locate a trolley road, over the route that Basil had in 
mind and one man remarked, “he didn't believe God 
Almighty would be allowed to put a road through 
there, unless willing to give that cussed crowd half of 
the stock as a silencer.” 

Having such a shameful condition as that to meet, 
Basil wisely concluded that such a prospect he could 
not reckon with, under the plan he had devised it could 
avail him nothing, so decided to leave them to their 
own rot and proceeded eastward, where he discovered 
two or three small opportunities, but they looked not. 
so good as some he had looked over farther west. 
Finally, upon reaching a large city on the seaboard 
and having been about here and there for several days, 
with nothing especially inviting from his standpoint, 
until one evening as he sat in the lobby of a hotel 
musing over the prospect, or perhaps it might well be 


73 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


termed anti-prospect, which had seemed to take him 
back over a portion of his route, in comparing the sev¬ 
eral propositions he had considered possible, and 
when about considering a silent proposition to retire 
for a good night's sleep, preparatory to resuming his 
journey backward, two men entered the lobby and 
seating themselves quite near him, opened up a con¬ 
versation that at once caught his ear, and as they pro¬ 
ceeded, they secured it tighter and tighter. While, 
generally speaking, Basil greatly abhorred an eaves¬ 
dropper, yet here was a case where it had all come to 
him, he had not moved and why should he, these people 
had not appeared to care for privacy, a hotel lobby is 
public property and one has to hear whatever sound 
is present about him, with his hearers in good order, 
and Basil's are especially so at this time, while the 
subject of conversation would naturally place them on 
the alert, for the men were talking about a certain 
location for a “mighty profitable trolley proposition,” 
as they expressed it. 

Basil listened intently for over an hour, felt not 
sleepy any more or any inclination to retire. Finally, 
one of the men departed and as the other continued 
seated, seemingly musing away to his own satisfac¬ 
tion, Basil soon made a move as if to retire, but stand¬ 
ing beside his chair a moment, finally made bold to re¬ 
mark, “My friend, beg pardon, I am from up New 
England way, but sitting so near, I overheard you and 
your friend remark concerning opportunity to locate 
a trolley road. Being interested in prospective con¬ 
struction work in that line, I have taken the liberty of 
addressing you regarding it, without wishing to in¬ 
trude, however.” 

“No embarrassing intrusion, sir, in the least, no 
privacy in the matter,” replied the other, “it simply is 
a case of the smallest kind of cussedness imaginable. 
I don't mind giving you the particulars, it makes quite 
a story altogether. There is an old fellow way off out 


74 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


in the country by the name of Darius Green, he is a 
farmer by occupation, but he is a politician as well, 
and his influence in politics is beyond the conception 
of the average political adherent. I mention these 
points to convey to you, some idea of what the people 
are up against, who want a trolley road built up 
through ‘Urban Valley.' There are in going seven¬ 
teen miles, thirteen lively villages, manufacturing vil¬ 
lages, too, with no railroad whatever passing through 
them, and the manufacturers have been all these years 
hauling their freight, twelve miles over the mountain 
to reach a railroad for shipment. 

“This old farmer obtained a franchise seven years 
ago for an ‘Electric Road’ through that valley and 
through his political pull, has managed to amend, re¬ 
new and hold his franchise against all comers and 
without building the road. ‘The Subway Rapid Tran¬ 
sit Company' have repeatedly tried to arrange with 
the old man for the building of this road, also ‘The 
Little River Valley Company', running from ‘Whole¬ 
sale city to Jinksville' (that's at the north end of this 
franchise grant), have endeavored to get a chance to 
build and equip a road upon the old farmer's fran¬ 
chise. Not being able to do anything with him, both 
companies have endeavored to procure a franchise by 
having his totally annulled, but the old cuss meets 
them at every corner, and now they say ‘it can't be 
done.' They have tried to beat him out and have tried 
to offer him the money to go on and build it, but as 
near as I can make out he considers that they, the two 
companies, have combined to beat him out of his fran¬ 
chise, which puts his back up higher than ‘Gilroy's 
Kite,' and apparently now, nobody can do anything 
with him, this is the phase of the case, my friend and 
I were considering. The old man has had his own way 
in politics so long, like many another of his kind, he 
has now become crusted over, practically conscience¬ 
less and perhaps soulless absolutely. The president of 


75 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the Transit Company seems to regard him that way, 
however, has been fighting him several years and 
probably is hoping now, that he will forget to wake up 
some fine morning, they would give him a good price 
for his franchise and enough to make him in¬ 
dependent.” 

Basil here remarked in a casual sort of way, “Then 
you and your friend are considering the trying out of 
your tact and luck, I suppose, with the old man.” 

“Well,” replied the stranger, “we were considering 
whether or no we would stand any chance to overhaul 
him, sort of taking stock of our available assets in the 
premises. Probably the fact that we hail from this 
city, would at once arouse his suspicions, as it has done 
before when others have approached him; he suspi- 
cioned that they were in the employ of the Transit 
Company’ and would come back at them fiercely with, 
‘How do I know that you have not been sent out here 
by ‘them devils in the city,’ to rob me of that 
franchise/ ” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared Basil, “he is venomous sure 
enough and probably, worthy of any man’s steel in any 
good fight, how far out does he live?” 

“Well, quite a ways out,” was the reply; “after 
leaving the train at Danby, have to ride about fifteen 
miles with a team, so it is an all-day jaunt and we 
don’t quite believe it is worth while, others have so ut¬ 
terly failed and likely, may not do anything about it.” 

“Well,” remarked Basil, “should you attempt to 
beard the lion in his den and succeed in so doing, I wish 
you good luck, it seems a great pity that one man can 
find it possible, to so block progress and inconvenience 
so many people; he who can wrest that from him, it 
would seem should merit from the public, everlasting 
gratitude and a suitable memorial after he has 
passed on.” 

“You are right my friend,” is the reply, “but where 
is the man that can do it?” 


76 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Basil laughed outright and said goodnight, soon 
retiring to his bed but not to sleep for a while. He 
over and over again rehearsed, all that had been told 
him by that communicative stranger, who probably 
would not have been thus communicative, had he not 
considered the matter practically a forelorn hope, 
moreover, he was talking with a man from far off New 
England, who probably is much more interested in 
construction work than in franchise. 

Undoubtedly Basil had thrown him off his guard, 
if his interest in the affair was sufficient to need a 
guard, but the fact was, he was only on the fence, his 
faith was indeed weak, moreover, he scarcely had the 
courage of his convictions, and Basil reasoned: “Here 
is a combination of conditions that fate has placed in 
my pathway, I believe, to tempt me to try out my own 
metal, with what is regarded as an incorrigible, ma¬ 
licious and determined type of character.” The more 
Basil thought it over, the more willing and anxious 
he became to enter the affray; true, his experience in 
this line was practically nil, but he considered it might 
prove beneficial to him even though he succeeded not 
in capturing, first the old farmer, and then his much 
coveted franchise, thus before he slept, he had resolved 
to see what that man looked like, if nothing further 
could be accomplished. 

Upon rising early next morning, Basil at first 
sought information from the hotel clerk, as to what 
road Danby was located on, and then obtained a time 
table which informed him that a train left in forty 
minutes, then hastening to his room completed his 
breakfast and repairing to the railroad station, very 
soon was on his way to Danby station. Arriving there, 
he soon had obtained the use of a team to drive over 
the mountain, with instructions from the owner of 
the team as to the whereabouts of “the Green Farm” 
and full directions of how to most quickly reach it. 
Basil's thoughts were more than busy, in continually 


77 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


reverting to the incidents alluded to, in the stranger's 
description of what had happened, concerning the old 
man and “his trolley road franchise," while endeavor¬ 
ing to determine what attitude was best to assume 
when approaching the old man. He fully believed he 
had a peculiar character to deal with and asked him¬ 
self, “Why not assume a peculiar method in attempt¬ 
ing to acquire his good graces?" 

Basil made good time in negotiating the road over 
the mountain, or to be more exact, he had not to pro¬ 
ceed wholly over a mountain, for “the Green Farm" 
was located just over the divide, from which point a 
delightful and extensive view of the valley beyond was 
available. Up and down that valley for miles could 
be seen chimneys, towering above the busy medium¬ 
sized factories, where hundreds of people were en¬ 
gaged in earning a livelihood, and this, Basil well be¬ 
lieved, was the much desired route of a once projected 
trolley line, now held up through the apparent cussed¬ 
ness of a narrow-souled human being; here, then, is 
the mecca so greatly coveted. “But," Basil mused, 
“that certainly is quite as fine a valley as I have ever 
gazed upon and, they say it continues for seventeen 
miles, nature here has shown its capacity and willing¬ 
ness, to afford man every comfort and convenience 
necessary to his complete welfare, and this recalls to 
mind some lines applicable to the text and spirit of 
the occasion. 

“As I gaze down yonder at that beautiful vale, 

My heart leaps, in gratitude to the God of all, 

But falters at the thought, that only man is stale, 
All else seems true to instinct, only man must fall.” 

From this view Basil could see, a little distant, 
what he well knew was the “Green farmhouse." But 
a few moments' drive and he was there, a large roomy 
colonial style structure and not having been troubled 
with the smear of paint of late, or modern improve- 


78 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


ments of any type. In fact, many little repairs might 
be attempted, with little danger of injuring the feel¬ 
ings of the old and sacred structure and certainly not, 
disconcert the vision of the stranger who chanced to 
come that way, really, it had not the appearance of 
being the home of a thoroughly thrifty and broad¬ 
minded person, and yet, it marked not the usual signs 
of poverty, it showed more of the air of neglect than 
of “the grinds of necessity,” those broad acres were 
prima-facie evidence against the stress of poverty. 
Here was ample sustenance for all that could abide 
within the walls, of that “grand old farm mansion,” 
were but a negative amount of thrift and enterprise 
employed here in management. Basil audibly mused, 
“Those who people that house should be cleverly 
clothed and fare sumptuously each day of their lives, 
then what of a family who has for its head, a man hav¬ 
ing sufficient mental capacity to become a leader of 
men, to dominate in public matters of as vast impor¬ 
tance as ‘a public railroad'? What shall be said of a 
man whose intellect shall have become so dwarfed in 
size and besotted in selfishness and malice, as to pre¬ 
scribe for his neighbors and the public generally, that 
inconvenience, discomfort and expense that the ab¬ 
sence of any modern means of rapid transit necessa¬ 
rily entails, what punishment should be meted out to 
one who holds the key to such a situation and refuses 
because of a petty grudge or spite, absolutely refuses, 
to turn the key and let the procession move on, to its 
own pleasure and glory and to the glory of Almighty 
God, whose premises are being encumbered by such 
as he?” 

After musing thus, Basil drove into the dooryard 
of the “Green farmhouse.” Soon an old man around 
sixty-five appeared in one of the doorways of the barn 
and as Basil drove that way, loudly exclaimed, “My 
gaddy, young man, do you know you are a long way 

79 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


from home and how are ye, anyway, and does your 
mother know you are out?” 

“You can bet some,” retorted Basil, “and grandpa, 
I have first to tell you, that I fully realize I am away 
from home, or I should not see your cheery old visage 
before me, and to your second insult, I can truly in¬ 
form you, sir, that I, Basil Carter, am all here upon 
three good meals a day and ready for any good fight¬ 
ing emergency, that you or any other belligerent may 
fancy to put over; your third and last trespass upon 
decency, may be not quite so easily answered, for when 
we last met she put me to bed, nicely tucked me in, 
heard me say my prayers, and mayhap supposes I am 
there yet. Probably I might have been, had I not con¬ 
ceived a strong desire to look out right smart some¬ 
where in God’s country, for a grandpa who might be 
as homely and agreeable as you, thinking I should 
enjoy the setting of my peekers upon him for a while, 
to stamp thoroughly upon my memory a vision of just 
what he looks like anyway and learn of his environ¬ 
ments as best I might. Now, my dear grandpa, have 
I satisfactorily answered your insulting questions?” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared the old man, “give me your 
best hand, ‘you wizard of the evil one,’ where in the 
name of all the imps of hades did they shake you out, 
feed and clothe you durin’ your infantile moments, 
w T hat brand of milk did they use in producin’ such a 
personality as you are a luggin’ around, and did they 
succeed in producin’ another such, ha, ha, ha!” 

“Now see here, grandpa,” retorted Basil, “you have 
smashed all records to a frazzle altogether, in pro¬ 
pounding silly and insulting questions, first, I don’t 
suppose I ever was shaken out, but like the Topsy of 
old, ‘ ’specs I just growed’; second, don’t seem to re¬ 
member much about clothes, the feed I sometimes fell 
on to and the milk you are inquiring about, am pretty 
certain did not come from any cows of yours, for they 
said I was rather particular about quality in my feed 


80 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


trough and to come again once more, to clean up your 
last question, I believe they said in summing up, that 
no more freaks could be produced, because they fell 
short of the proper kind of timber.” 

“Ha, ha, ha, stop, stop,” the old man roared, “beat, 
beat, beaten to the tattered end of a frazzle, never be¬ 
fore have I been so ignominiously whipped at any 
game of my own challenge, and now, my apostle of 
‘sarcastic sarcasm and outrageous humor/ what evil 
errand has brought you hither and what service of 
mine, can be on your saucy and active mind, some spe¬ 
cial purpose I’ll warrant, and nothin' slow either I 
warrant some more, do you want to hire out as a 
milker or as a stable cleaner, or do you want to buy 
the farm and then put me on your pay roll, as a go-as- 
you-please-whenever-you dare?” 

“Rah, rah, rah,” roared Basil, “I have already told 
you why I came, in amusement you have already ren¬ 
dered great service and to hire out in the capacity you 
have kindly suggested, would be but a mockery of my 
dear grandpa, for as a milker I should soon bankrupt 
the farm, as a stable cleaner am an inevitable failure, 
never having been thoroughly good at ‘self cleaning 
up' yet, so must tell you I just come out for a ride and 
to see, what has been represented to me as ‘God's coun¬ 
try', all summed up, it may be a case of physical neces¬ 
sity coupled with curious desires, the latter I am bound 
to admit have already been largely satisfied, the 
former I think will be, when I have fully explored the 
country hereabouts. By the way, grandpa, that valley 
down there I should believe, at this distance, would 
come very near to being ‘God's best acre', really, that 
is a choice view to gaze upon.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried the old man, “your ideas and 
mine are less than a mile apart on that, and say, put 
your horse in my barn, I’ll hitch up ‘the pair' and 
just show you what that valley stands for on this 
great earth, it’s the ‘Paradise of America,' young 


81 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


man, and if you hain’t swarmed and located your 
hive already, you might sit up and take notice of 
what you may notice as you pass along.” 

Basil and his newly found friend had in very 
truth become sincerely friendly, as they rode along 
and conversed upon many subjects including per¬ 
sonalities, while each became much attached to the 
other. The old man had already taken a special lik¬ 
ing to Basil, having found him a foe worthy even of 
his saucy steel, and the frankness displayed during 
their homely sallies, had captivated the old man’s 
appreciation. Observing this, Basil believed he had 
the first line of battle practically won, but he real¬ 
ized that he could easily commit a mistake, in 
broaching the subject nearest his heart. Here was 
a man that could easily be made to go off at half 
cock, one who had been nursing for years uncom¬ 
fortable feelings, engendered by suspicion and jeal¬ 
ousy, a fighter in all the baseness of crooked poli¬ 
tics, which had warped and petrified his very soul, 
here he was now, much at the mercy of this young 
man who so unconsciously had captured, first, his 
interested attention, and then, successfully so 
worked upon his being in brotherly spirit, that he 
was now susceptible to being easily led by his new¬ 
found associate. 

They, these two characters, apart so far and yet 
allied so near, happily rode and rode many miles 
through the beautiful valley, and who should tell at 
that day and date that this was not to become the 
home of “Basil’s baby.” Basil’s heart was now set 
upon the acquirement of that old man’s franchise, 
for would not this situation afford just the best pos¬ 
sible opportunity, for him to establish his footing, 
here with all these factories and the necessary popu¬ 
lation herewith, would not this be the joiliest loca¬ 
tion for a trolley road? No wonder others had 
sought for that franchise, and no wonder they had 


82 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


harshly stigmatized the old man for withholding it, 
and thus, prevent these people from enjoying the 
conveniences a railroad would afford them, through 
the selfish and jealous malice of one person, was 
not this worse than a misdemeanor under the law of 
the land? Yet Basil thought he could see as the real 
cause of the dilemma, nothing but the absence of tact, 
while the tactics the others had employed were 
probably such, as would not have worked had they 
been attempted upon themselves. 

Around one o'clock, at Basil’s suggestion, they 
drew up at a hotel and with Basil as the host of the 
occasion, they and the team were served with the fat 
of the land and then turned, to retrace the distance 
they had covered. When nearing the “Old farm¬ 
house” the old man suddenly broke out, 

'‘Say, you are not in any special hurry are you? 
It is rather late now to make the trip back to the 
railroad, in season to catch the last train, why not 
stop with us overnight and then take your time to 
get back to the big city?” 

“Why,” replied Basil, “I don’t know as I ought, 
it seems a bit like imposing upon the good nature and 
kindly treatment of an esteemed friend and it may 
be, attempting to ride a free horse unduly.” 

“Don’t look at it that way, my young friend,” 
cried the old man, “the obligation is on the other 
side, it would greatly please me to have your bright 
company meanwhile, we don’t get much of your sort 
out this way and I judge, it is not plenty any other 
way, because I am around a bit one time and another 
and I have never before met just your pattern, be¬ 
sides, I want to talk to you about a matter in which 
I am greatly interested and perhaps the principal 
mourner. I want considerable time to describe the 
whole situation, if you will stop with us, we’ll 'kill 
the fatted calf’ and you shall have the first choice of 
the liver.” 

“Well,” replied Basil, “I really don’t know what 

83 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 

the owner of that team will think, may get the sheriff 
after me for stealing that team.” 

“Well, well,” said the old man, “let 'em come, 
I’ll go your bail and if necessary pay your fine.” 

“But,” retorted Basil, “how about the prison 
term?” 

“Oh,” cried the old man, “I'll serve that out, too, 
you can go home to mother all right and again tackle 
them prayers.” 

Basil finally consented to remain over night, he 
believed matters were assuredly working his way, 
fate had seemed to have taken charge of his affairs 
and decreed happenings, even better than he believed 
he could himself have done, surely this stopping over 
night with ‘the lion right in his den’, was just what 
he had desired most to do, and the old man had him¬ 
self proposed it, moreover, he had something on his 
mind he desired to impart to Basil and Basil believed 
he could guess, if he tried hard, about what it was 
that seemed to disturb the old man, and decided to 
lay low and listen; for the world he would not even 
suggest a trolley, but take a negative tack and let 
the old man become the beggar, for now he believed 
the old man would hang himself, if sufficient rope 
were allowed him. 

After disposing of the team, they repaired to the 
house and the old man called out to mother in an 
adjoining room, to come hither and inspect the 
prodigy he had that day stumbled upon, “and say, 
mother, I believe it will prove out the best piece of 
horse-luck, that has come my way in many a day, 
Mr. Carter, mother, ‘Basil Carter from old New Eng¬ 
land,' and one of the sarsiest specimens of human 
flesh, that ever was got up at the time of the crea¬ 
tion.” 

“Well,” interrupted mother, “you have set him 
out in your usual style and methinks he should tell 
you it is unsafe, for ‘the pot to call the kettle black.' 


84 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


You are old enough, Darius Green, to know how to 
be more decent to strangers.” 

“Strangers?” cried the old man, “we are not 
strangers by a jugful, been a visitin’ all day and 
soused one of the best dinners into us, that ever was 
served in the whole of ‘Urban Valley/ I tell you, 
mother, when you want to acquire first-class and 
down-right solid friendship, the most agreeable and 
sensible way to do it, is, to set before the mouth that 
‘which will tickle the belly/ but in this case it was 
not I, ‘Darius Green', that did the settin’ of it up 
Mr. Carter here was responsible for the ‘tickle mat¬ 
ter’ and Darius Green was in a very receptive mood 
and now, mother, the table has turned about and 
you are to furnish ‘the tickle/ while we will en¬ 
deavor to assume a receptive attitude, in a samplin’ 
of your spread.” 

“Yes,” replied mother, “that’s always your posi¬ 
tion when there is any eating to be done, never knew 
you to be on the other side, but you can’t be very 
hungry, after the spread you say you bowed to a 
few hours ago.” 

“But, mother,” replied Darius, “I don’t ‘stay 
tickled’ worth a cent, that awful gnawin’ does love 
to come back, and if it stays too long, it gets on my 
nerves and you well know, that it is unpleasant for 
everybody when my nerves get real nervy.” 

While supper was being prepared, the chums re¬ 
paired to the veranda, the old man opening up in 
questions more particularly relative, to Basil’s home 
environments and New England in general, said he 
had read some accounts concerning the habits of the 
people and occasionally met a man from up that 
way, but had obtained no definite idea of the goings 
on there and could be much interested in what Basil 
could tell him, thus, before supper was served this 
was the subject matter. 

After supper they again assembled upon the ve- 


85 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


randa, this time, however, mother was present and 
asked a few questions concerning his parents and 
and whether, he intended to locate there perma¬ 
nently, to which Basil replied, “Probably not, I am 
now out upon an inspection trip, to learn if another 
part of the country suits me better and to discover 
where that part lies, in short, really, I am out look¬ 
ing for opportunity.” 

Abruptly the old man breaks in with, “Say Mr. 
Carter, we have spent a jolly good time together 
since you came along this morning, you have in¬ 
spired sufficient confidence with me to make it ap¬ 
pear plain, that you are a safe person to entrust with 
important secret matters. I desire to take someone 
into confidence for the purpose of counsel, you asked 
today, Ts there no railroad nearer this valley than 
the one I came up on’; at my negative reply you 
seemed greatly surprised, which was natural and 
proper for any stranger, but I noticed you made no 
remark concernin’ the situation, thus, I am forced 
to believe, that you are just what your guileless atti¬ 
tude represents you to be, as not being out in this 
vicinity in the interests of anybody or any clique, 
who would, if they could, rob any poor man who 
might possess somethin’ that they coveted. I have 
all day studied you close, for the simple reason, that 
several have been here acting a lie, and really, were 
nothing but lies. Your frankness appeared to good 
advantage right at the start; at first, I wondered if 
that was but another phase of the same breed that 
had come before, you have stood all the tests that I 
have been able to use with you and now, mother, I 
feel pretty certain that we can counsel with this 
young man in safety.” 

“Now, Mr. Carter, I want to tell you the case from 
the beginnin’, and will admit at the start, that occa¬ 
sionally I dabble a bit in politics, in fact, I rather en¬ 
joy the game, especially when I can, without much 


86 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


trouble, bag a few aces and then a benefit or two for 
Darius Green. Well, I think all that has happened 
in the situation, that I am about to tell you of. I 
have got a few pretty staunch friends down in that 
valley and when somethin’ comes my way that is 
quite fetchin’, I never forgit ’em, they know I won’t 
turn that trick and are like any good dog, that ap¬ 
pears on hand whenever they are whistled for. Well, 
about seven years ago, I conceived a strong notion 
that it wouldn’t hurt any of us people livin’ around 
that valley, very much, if a railroad of some sort 
really should point its independent nose up through 
to the t’other end, I figgered that it might be worth 
while for Darius Green, to stir up the state assembly 
for a franchise, after I had slept with the thing a 
few nights more or less, a thing mother strongly ob¬ 
jected to at first, but really, I don’t suppose she up 
and did it through any real jealousy, but they will 
sometimes, you know, feel a little put out about 
things—” 

‘‘Well, well,” exclaimed mother, “go on with 
your story and leave out your nonsense.” 

“Yes, yes,” retorted Darius, “but you know peo¬ 
ple have to mix in a few side lines, to make the play 
attractive in any first-class show. 

“Well, as I was a saying before, mother got 
nervy, I threshed the thing out and when complete, 
I just whistled to Tom, Dick and Harry, my friends 
you know, well, they belong to that state assembly 
and had come to be of some count there, was I a 
member? Oh, no, I can help Darius Green better 
bein’ on the outside, a good fire needs watchin’, it 
sometimes desires to cool off and anything engaged 
in burnin’ itself up, can’t watch its own failin’s, that 
state assembly occasionally gets so all-fired hot, that 
it can’t direct itself intelligently and that is where 
Darius Green becomes something of a necessity, es¬ 
pecially, if they might be engaged about somethin’ 


87 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


that Darius Green is personally interested in. Well, 
we got that franchise through that assembly mill 
and everybody hereabouts, was glad that ‘Darius' 
had been born so many years ago. After a while 
some city chaps imagined ‘Darius Green’ had pro¬ 
cured somethin’, that by all good rights they orter 
possess and decided to spend a car fare or two, to go 
out and scoop it all in, and I understand they say they 
endeavored to buy ‘Darius’ out, but Darius says to 
the contrary notwithstanding, that they tried to 
‘squeeze him out’. There is no possible question that 
they tried it a mighty durned hard and in all the dif¬ 
ferent ways, their genius for cussedness could sug¬ 
gest, and because he didn’t squeeze, they have by all 
honorable and dishonorable means, endeavored to 
say and do smart things about him, presumin’ I sup¬ 
pose, that it might injure his feelin’s somewhat, but 
their great misfortune has been, that they were not 
sufficiently acquainted with Darius Green, to suc¬ 
cessfully chew up what they attempted to bite off. 
Then a similarly smart crowd from a big city, on the 
t’other end of the franchise territory, attempted to 
put over the same old grind, with several variations, 
that even a self-respecting idiot could not respect, 
unless he was especially fond of a low-lived human 
hog, but even with these apparently temptin’ varia¬ 
tions, the results were always similar, the same. All 
this time, however, Darius, in imitation of two or 
three of his ‘skim milk cows’, with a mischievous 
squint at mother, lay around complacently a chewin’ 
of his cud, waitin’ for ’em ter git up courage enough 
for another tack, on some sort of a respectable line, 
if there was anybody capable of doing the trick, but 
I had many a doubt, that a really honest railroad 
builder would ever come my way.” 

“But,” Basil interrupted, “how in the dickens 
could you hold that franchise so long and not attempt 
to build the road, two years is the limit, is it not?” 


88 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


“See here, young man, didn’t I tell you a spell ago, 
that ‘Darius Green’ sometimes dabbled a bit in poli¬ 
tics, and don’t you know that politics knows no limit, 
that the right kind of politics to have is ‘self politic 
politics’ and that truly defined is, ‘a go as you please 
and when you please, and come back when you git 
ready’. Well, that is ‘Darius Green’s’ favorite 
kind, he feels safer when embracin’ that kind, 
than any other kind he has ever tried, so why not, 
young man, stick by that which has served you well? 
In the case of this franchise, ‘Darius’ emphatically be¬ 
lieves, that so far as them city chaps is concerned, it 
will prove out a satisfyin’ thing ‘to let well enough 
alone’.” 

“But,” retorted Basil, “you did not explain to me 
how you kept the franchise alive.” 

“Oh,” replied the old man, “that was dead easy, as 
often as necessary, and generally a good sight oftener, 
that state assembly has another meetin’, and Tom, 
Dick and Harry are notified, that ‘Darius Green’ wants 
a codicil put on to his franchise, there is one sentence 
that doesn’t read right and he wants it fixed up.” 

“Yes, Mr. Green, I see that part of it,” cried Basil, 
“but don’t Tom, Dick and Harry ever meet with oppo¬ 
sition in their proposals?” 

“Yes, yes,” retorted the old man, “but what is this 
great state a payin’ them for, unless to do its biddin’, 
‘Darius Green’ is a part owner in this state and he 
voted for them fellers and told his friends to vote for 
’em and just as he hires a cow milker to work for him, 
so he expects the fellers he sends to that meetin’ will 
accomplish what he sets out to git accomplished, if 
they meet opposition it is up to them to knock it out, 
by gaddy, and they don’t know any better than to do 
the trick, and up to this very day, ‘Darius Green’ has 
got every codicil attached that he has attempted to git, 
moreover, that franchise can become more aged yet if 
necessary, by gaddy, while ‘Darius Green’ will be cer- 


89 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


tain it don’t git outlawed. The real fact is, my young 
friend, we, mother and I, are out a huntin’ every day 
of our lives, for a ‘real man,’ a man with some con¬ 
science, some ability, some desire to be of some real 
benefit to the world and especially to all of Urban Val¬ 
ley, a man whom we can believe in from sun-up to 
sun-down, that we can trust all the way through, and 
young man, I have to tell you, it’s hard scratchin’ to 
find him, we have scratched many a day, by gaddy, 
and muck-raked this section of Uncle Sam’s farm 
many times over, and say, that man just don’t live 
hereabouts, now I am cornin’ to the p’nt, Mr. Carter. 
You have lit down upon us as though you might have 
employed an airy-plain, to fetch yer all the way from 
old New England, at the first pop upon meetin’ me, you 
plainly showed your metal and you have several times 
since exhibited some good sense, while I have been a 
coddin’ you, mother has been usin’ her excellent 
powers of piercin’ scrutiny and although no word has 
passed between us, the signs of silence has placed you 
entirely in her confidence and you got badly into mine 
seme hours ago, therefore, we are wonderin’ in our 
simple minds, whether or not you would consider the 
renderin’ of us some assistance, in an endeavor to git 
this franchise into workin’ shape. We are gittin’ 
along in years and have no children to lean on in our 
old age, we would like to see that franchise turned into 
‘an operatin’ fact’ down there, while we are here, and 
perhaps enjoy a few rides on it, moreover, somethin’ 
in a way of income, what we have so long hoped might 
be the means of helping out a bit in our old age, when 
the old cows have ceased to shed forth a pittance in 
‘poor quality milk’.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared Basil, “you don’t even forget 
trifles I see, grandpa.” 

“Ah, no,” retorted the old man, “but you know 
when we started in, it was tit for tat, young man ver¬ 
sus old man, and it came out a draw, so now I appre- 


90 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


bend we can maintain a draw throughout business 
dealing, bein' both worthy of each other’s steel. Now, 
Mr. Carter—” 

“One moment please, Mr. Green,” abruptly broke 
in Basil, “kindly, if you will, call me by my first name, 
it seems too formal for you at your age to address me 
that way, may I be Basil, just Basil, to you and Mrs. 
Green ? It seems to me we can feel more friendly with 
less convention.” 

“Yes,” remarked mother, “I fully agree with you, 
personally, I dislike associating at a distance with 
those I am fond of.” 

“I rather like this arrangement, too,” the old man 
cried, “when I am cornin’ up agin somethin’ that’s 
worth a cornin’ up agin, which ain’t often, by gaddy. 
Now what do you say, Basil, to a takin’ hold with us 
in some way under some plan, just figger one out 
yourself, I won’t interfere except to restrict one re¬ 
striction, or perhaps it will involve two parties, and 
them two are them city smarties, that I have already 
told you have tried to squeeze Darius Green all out of 
his laboriously acquired franchise, for Darius pos¬ 
sibly can’t forgive ’em for forgittin’ that he was a 
politician and that his reputation as one of the first 
ilk, was much concerned in the honorable carryin’s on 
regardin’ that railroad, for it’s generally understood 
between man and man ’round here, that no corpora¬ 
tion scoop is to gobble the whole thing up, regardless.” 

“Well,” replied Basil, “it seems to me that some 
plan may be worked out, to utilize your franchise for 
the benefit of yourself and neighbors, thereby secur¬ 
ing much glory to yourself as well. I think you "de¬ 
serve great credit, first, for securing this valuable ad¬ 
junct to a prospective enterprise, and then, that your 
determination to have it squarely and fittingly 
launched, further adds to that which should go your 
way, financially speaking, as well as credit and com¬ 
mendation. I think the people all over this section of 


91 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the state will accord you much credit and admiration, 
the moment the first car has passed over the line, if 
such an accomplishment has been brought about 
through an honorable system of finance, and should I 
have anything to do with the matter, it must be 
worked out through such tactics as cannot be criticised 
or censured.” 

“That's the talk,” cried the old man, “and just 
what I knew would come off that tongue of yours, if 
you would have anything at all to do with it. Now 
what have you to propose, I don't mean in detail, but 
what general plan, I don't suppose one of your age 
and experience, can go into an elaborate scheme of 
finance, just like them ‘devils’ in the large cities, and 
it is because Darius Green don’t believe in them kind 
of chaps, that cars are not now running up and down 
that ‘Urban Valley' today and yesterday.” 

“Well,” remarked Basil, “I have but a skeleton 
outline at present, but supposing you give me a ‘sixty- 
day option on the franchise,' to enable me to work out 
a plan and so far execute it, that you can then know 
something can be accomplished.” 

“Well, well, of course I’ll do that,” cried the old 
man, “but can't we fix upon some sum that you can 
work out for me, that is, I mean, by gaddy, as to where 
and how I am to come in, I mean, by gaddy, would it 
be a partnership or stock in a corporation, or would 
it be by cash through a sellin' out?” 

Basil thought a few moments before replying, then 
proposed thus to the old man: “Suppose, when the 
option expires, 1 am certain of being able to finance 
the proposition under a plan satisfactory to myself 
and desire to take up the option, then how would a 
plan about like this appear to you ? Say you are to be 
paid in cash ten thousand dollars, on such terms as 
we can agree upon and double that amount in stock of 
a corporation, to be organized for the purpose of ex¬ 
ploiting the proposition, with my personal guarantee 


92 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


of ten per cent per annum income from the stock for 
ten years, with the understanding that you are to be¬ 
come 'a director of the corporation/ 

“I don't know," Basil continued, “just what my 
mind may turn out as I think it over, but should I 
thresh out something that appears feasible and satis¬ 
factory to me and which I can be certain can material¬ 
ize, will you for your part accept the lay-out I have 
made you, and to do it in a business way, sign a writ¬ 
ing to that effect?" 

“Mother, what do you say," inquired the old man, 
“you must be satisfied, too." 

“I think, Darius Green," said mother, “I think you 
might go miles further and get less, and then besides 
get nothing, I think you can know you will be squarely 
dealt with and that, is worth all the money there is in 
it and more, too, I say emphatically, 'do it.'" 

“Well, mother, you have spoken just my piece ex¬ 
actly, by gaddy, you have. Now Basil make out the 
document, but I must have a clause in that, 'so long as 
I live,' the franchise or the road, if built, shall not be 
sold directly to either of those city parties who have 
tried to 'Squeeze me out,' or in any way conveyed to 
others for their use or benefit." To this Basil readily 
assented. 

“I never did anything in my life more willingly," 
cried the old man, “since I got out of my original shell, 
and when I can get hooked up with you, sonny, I shall 
feel that I have somethin' to live for, and somebody 
who cares whether or no I am livin', because, my boy, 
I am layin' some store by you and consider you, every 
inch a man and an able one, by gaddy." 

The next morning Basil asked for pen and paper 
and settled himself down to the task, of writing out a 
form for the old man to sign, with an option contract 
on the trolley franchise. Before sleep had closed his 
eyes he had mentally worked out, what he considered 
would fill the bill. Moreover, Basil had given much 


93 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


thought to the financial end in the promotion of this 
enterprise, he well knew that in corraling the old man, 
he had but just made a good start and his thoughts 
wandered over much ground and several times over 
the same ground, he felt that he had indeed loaded 
upon himself a great task, but smiled as he recalled 
that he had discovered about what he had been out for. 
In very truth, he had found “his baby” and wondered 
whether or not, Wesley and Jonas had yet obtained a 
glimpse of theirs. 

Basil wrote out his ideas of what was needed, in¬ 
serting in the payment contract a clause that, should 
the old man ever desire to sell the stock he received. 
Basil should have the first opportunity to purchase it 
at the market value, and that in case of the death of 
the old man, the stock should revert to the corpora¬ 
tion, upon the payment of the market value to his es¬ 
tate at the time of the reversion, provided also, that 
should mother outlive the old man, the guaranteed in¬ 
come should remain hers as an annuity while living. 

The papers as drawn, were satisfactory to both Mr. 
Green and wife, and during the day w T ere duly exe¬ 
cuted and delivered, after which Basil was anxious to 
depart. 

It was now so late in the afternoon when every¬ 
thing had been properly fixed, that Basil could not 
catch the last train down the line at the Danby station. 
In executing the papers they had to wait for the 
notary of the neighborhood, to return home and take 
acknowledgment of signatures, thus, this situation 
forced Basil to remain over another night, which 
suited the old people to a T. 

As mother remarked, “Pm glad of it, for we can 
enjoy your company and get better acquainted.” 

While riding up and down that valley, Basil had 
all eyes out for many things that the old man did not 
probably guess about. One thing in particular Basil 
had noticed, was a quite sizable pond or lake, located 


94 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


back quite a bit from the main street of one of the vil¬ 
lages and upon one side of that lake was a beautiful 
grove, the lake, Basil thought, covered about five and 
one-half acres, and the grove about double the size of 
the lake and also, he estimated, about three acres of 
level land on the other side of the lake opposite the 
grove, all being fenced in as one piece of property. 
Now to Basil, when considering the proposition he 
was there to consider, this piece of land it seemed nec¬ 
essary to possess; here was an ideal place for a power 
house with water in plenty and a spur track could be 
laid to convey the necessary fuel, again, here was a 
sufficient body of water for limited boating and again 
a magnificent grove for picnics, the whole tract 
amounting to twelve acres more or less. As Basil es¬ 
timated it, and it afterward proved, he had been cor¬ 
rect in his guess. 

That evening as they sat talking, Basil inciden¬ 
tally inquired as to who owned that tract of land in 
Lakeville, that embodied the lake and the grove back 
in the field from Main Street. 

The old man thought a few moments and replied: 
“I think that belongs to Deacon Selden. Why, what in 
the darby have you in mind concernin' that?" 

“Well," replied Basil, not appearing to notice the 
question, “does this man own anything out to the 
street line?” 

“I think,” the old man replied, “there is a place 
with a little old house in front, of about where the 
pond is that belongs to him. I'll tell you what, we'll 
hitch up The pair' in the mornin' and ride over to 
Steubenville, I can find a man there who will know all 
about it, for he is brother-in-law of Deacon Selden, 
married sisters you know, don't know how as they 
quite make that relationship, but anyhow they are re¬ 
lated through Adam, and perhaps that is near enough, 
by gum.” 

Basil retorted, by inquiring where Deacon Selden 
resided. QK 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Oh,” replied the old man, “he lives out in Bung- 
town, a few miles west of Lakeville, if you want to see 
him we can drive out there, guess The pair' can make 
it in three-quarters of an hour as it’s a pretty good 
road. Shall we go to Steubenville first, to find out 
about what the deacon owns ?” 

“No,” replied Basil, “that will advertise us too 
much. I think success depends greatly upon secrecy 
as to degree, at least, I prefer to inform people of 
what has been done, rather than what may be done.” 

“Well, well, my boy, you are ‘it’ and no mistake,” 
cried the old man, “by gum, you'd make a mighty 
good politician with just a little schoolin'.” 

In the morning, off, “the speedy pair” went rapidly 
down the road toward old Bungtown; they had to 
make something over fourteen miles from the “Green 
Farm.” “I reckon,” said the old man, “that it is four¬ 
teen all right, Ldon't swear much by them guide board 
miles, by gum, never knew one to run short and my 
galluses can't begin to stretch out so much, as can a 
whole lot of them guide board miles, proportionate I 
mean, by gum.” 

After quite a lull in the conversation the old man 
suddenly exclaimed: “Say Basil, may I ask why, you 
got so greatly interested in that frog pond over there, 
what in the darby can you make out of that, goin' to 
raisin' ducks ? I guess you are a 'queer chap' after all, 
don't ever git a swelled head, do you, them things are 
dangerous fellers to carry around on top of a man’s 
shoulders and nobody cares to be warned, that he has 
got one that'll lead him on to a lot of trouble.” 

“Hold on a bit,” cried Basil, “how am I going to 
answer all those questions, bunched all up in that 
fashion?” 

“Well, well,” cried Mr. Green, “I'll hold on and 
you go ahead, git up ‘Tom and Jerry,' git out of this, 
this young man is in a hurry and the old man don't 
want to hang around all winter, atryin' to make out 


96 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


what this miraculous young feller, is a goin’ to make 
out of ‘Deacon Selden’s frog pond/ by gum, git up, git 
up, I say, and away went the lash upon the flying 
quadrupeds, and away went the whole outfit as well; 
all this interrupted the old man’s train of thought and 
Basil did not have to answer the questions. 

“There,” the old man suddenly spoke up, “right up 
there on that knoll is the deacon’s place, he’s a queer 
old feller to deal with, but he’s straight, that is, he’ll 
stand by his ’greements, but he does love money all- 
fired well and he won’t ’gree to ever’thing a body 
wants him ter.” 

“Why,” retorted Basil, “why, if he is so fond of 
money, does he hang on to so much property, why does 
he not turn it into money?” 

“S’pose,” replied the old man, “like the rest of us 
poor fools, he considers property money, when out 
here in this country one could go hungry by bein’ land 
poor, with never a cent in his pocket, and that is just 
what I, ‘Darius Green,’ am now a coddlin’ you for, by 
gum, to try and fix things so’s little money won’t be 
so durned scat, to come out here and inhabit our 
pockets a few minutes. Why, do you not know, young 
man, that many of the farmers out in these hills are 
almost entire strangers, to what them city chaps call 
money and perhaps you will prove to be their deliv¬ 
erer, from the bondage of landholders who some¬ 
times couldn’t sell a foot, even with which to feed their 
babies.” 

Basil here interrupted, to declare his hope that the 
Deacon might feel disposed to duly regard money, in 
exchange for the “frog pond” and environments. 

“Do you mean, that you want to purchase that 
property?” cried the old man. 

“Certainly I do,” replied Basil, “I have got to have 
it, unless the deacon has got one of your swelled heads, 
or because another wants the property and propor¬ 
tionately swells the price. We’ve got to have that 


97 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


property, Mr. Green, for our power plant and that 
grove for picnics, for the use of our patrons from the 
big city. The pond to supply the water for the plant 
and boating for the picnickers, now do you not see, 
Mr. Green, what we are out for this day?” 

“By gum, boy, I do now after you have pounded it 
into me, but I never thought of a puttin' the power 
house out here, supposed it must be located at Ender- 
ton, where there was a railroad to fetch in the coal.” 

“Why not haul the coal right up here on our own 
rails, we are supposed to haul freight for all these fac¬ 
tories in and out, and look here, Mr. Green, if it be¬ 
comes known that a move is on foot to build that road, 
one could not begin to touch that deacon on the price 
for that property, so you introduce me as a young 
friend of your wife's from New England, down here 
on a visit, and you are showing him about the coun¬ 
try, then, in conversation, incidentally lead up to 
property values and sales in general, drawing out, if 
possible, his attitude regarding the holding of prop¬ 
erty hereabouts, in lieu of turning it into money. You 
understand I think how to handle the matter, now that 
you know we need that property. Let's attempt to 
get his price and get an option on it in writing, with 
whatever terms he will agree to, and then, we can 
soften him a bit perhaps when we show him the cash.” 

“How long an option do you want,” asked the old 
man, “and about what terms do you need?” 

“Oh,” replied Basil, “only use the term factor in 
as liberal a degree as possible, to later obtain a cash 
discount upon.” 

“Ah, I see,” cried the old man, “but your surpris¬ 
ing proposition to purchase that property, has so up¬ 
set my usual equanimity that I must confess, that I am 
most too dense for your company.” 

They now drive into the deacon's dooryard, when 
the old man calls out, “Good morrow, Deacon Selden, 
perhaps you don’t know me, and perhaps you don't 
want to?” 


98 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


“Oh yes,” replied the deacon, “and have never re¬ 
gretted the fact, Neighbor Green, how can you think 
there lives a person in these parts who don't feel more 
or less acquainted with ‘Darius Green', the famous 
politician and exploiter of empty railroad franchises?'' 

“Ha, ha, ha, yes, yes,'' chimed in the old man, “but 
property all about the neighborhood, will never be 
worth anything until that railroad is built.'' 

“That's so, I agree with you on that point neigh¬ 
bor,'' retorted the deacon, “and I reckon it is up to you, 
that the people of this neighborhood are kept in so 
much unnecessary poverty. I am thinking, too, that 
the cause of the trouble, is your willfulness in the 
matter.'' 

“Now see here, deacon, what’ll you give me for 
my interest in that franchise, now it's put up or shut 
up, my dear sir, so which is it?'' 

“But,” retorted the deacon, “you know very well, 
that I am not in shape to handle such a thing as that, 
and moreover, I have already got too much property 
and too little money.” 

“Yes, deacon, I guess you are right about that, a 
man should not get himself in a position to make him¬ 
self land poor, and I guess you have done just that.” 

“I have,” replied the deacon, “but knowin' my fail¬ 
ings of the past, I would, if I could, reform a bit by 
letting some of my landed property depart.” 

“What do you mean by that, deacon, that you are 
going to sell something, but I fail to see how that can 
help you out much, for property won't bring anything, 
it might be a good time to buy, but to sell I don't 
know.” 

“Well, Neighbor Green, I take it that you are not 
obliged to, but I shall need some money before long, 
haven't turned anything for many a day.” 

“What have you in mind to sell,” inquired the old 
man, “you own some property in Lakeville, I believe, 
why don't you sell the farm here and go down and live 


99 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


on that property, there is already a house on it I be¬ 
lieve.” 

“Well, an old thing not much good. Oh no, I should 
not part with my old home here, should prefer selling 
the Lakeville property, if I could find a party who 
would take the whole bunch, there is about thirteen 
acres altogether, the house lot is an acre and the 
square chunk back of it comprises about twelve acres, 
including pond and all, but of course water don’t 
count for much, so the land is something like eight 
acres.” 

“What is the property worth, all told,” inquired 
the old man, “don’t know as I can buy, but I might 
meet someone who would.” 

“Well,” replied the deacon, “I believe a fair value 
for the back land as a whole, leaving out the water, 
would be one hundred fifty per acre, the house lot you 
know fronts on Main street and is one hundred and 
twenty feet front, I should want a thousand for that.” 

The old man suddenly turned to Basil with, “What 
time is it, guess we must be goin’,” then turning to the 
deacon, remarked, “I am afraid the price is prohibi¬ 
tive, that’s higher than anything I have heard of in 
these parts.” 

“Well, what might be your idea, Darius,” asked 
the deacon, “I don’t want to be too unreasonable, be¬ 
cause I want to sell, but if I give it away it don’t alter 
the poverty question.” 

“Were I a goin’ to buy it, my limit would be a hun¬ 
dred per acre for your eight acres and eight hundred 
for the house lot, for I could not regard the house any¬ 
thing and I believe you don’t.” 

“Why, that only makes sixteen hundred for the 
whole property, heaven knows that is more than dog 
cheap,” cried the deacon. 

“It may be, when you find a man who will so con¬ 
sider it,” retorted the old man, “we’ll have to bid you 
good morrow, deacon, for it’s high time we were a 
goin’.” 


100 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


“Wait a minute or two, Darius,” anxiously re¬ 
quested the deacon, “let me think a bit, would you, 
Darius Green, give me sixteen hundred for the whole 
bunch and give me the cash ?” 

“No deacon,” replied the old man, “not so fast as 
that, if you will give me an option on it for sixty days 
and give it to me in writin', I will see what I can do.” 

“Come into the house, Darius, and let's see if we 
can fix it up, you can make out a proper paper can't 
you, Darius?” 

“Mr. Carter here is a college man and undoubted¬ 
ly, he can formulate a proper form much quicker and 
better, than we old fellers about to enter the scrap 
heap, that's right, ain't it, by gum?” 

Basil replied that he could and would to accom¬ 
modate them, and with pen and ink being brought, 
proceeded to draw up the paper and soon it was ready 
for signature, when with a cordial “good morrow,” be¬ 
tween the old people and a polite good afternoon from 
Basil, “the pair” were again set under motion. 

Basil suggested that they return by way of Lake¬ 
ville and just glance at the property they had practi¬ 
cally secured, although several miles further. The 
old man readily consented, as he was very curious to 
view the property as well, he had never been upon it, 
he only knew there were woods and a pond in back of 
that old house lot. They jogged along at a clipping 
gait, for “the pair” were a pair indeed, where the an¬ 
nihilation of distance was concerned. Both were busy 
with their thoughts and neither were inclined to ex¬ 
press them, thus, they hardly exchanged remarks be¬ 
fore arriving at the place of “special interest.” Basil 
here suggested that they leave the team in “the meetin' 
house shed” and walk to the property, something over 
a half mile away, thus not to excite any interest among 
the village folk, another suggestion that they not stop 
at any place on the property, but cross it and retreat 
in the opposite direction from which they came, as 


101 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


probably in that way no notice would be taken of them. 
It was, Basil believed, of much importance that the 
purchase of the property remain absolutely private at 
present. The deacon had been enjoined to silence in 
the matter, Basil did not want it known until he had 
formulated his plans and had taken up the option, be¬ 
cause he proposed to personally acquire that property 
and then take something for a profit, in transferring 
it to the company that should later be organized, be¬ 
lieving the property was worth much more than the 
price stated in the option, and as soon as it became 
known that the road was to be built, advances of a hun¬ 
dred per cent could be expected and probably realized. 

The two rapidly crossed the property and regained 
the team, it was a sharp git up, get out and a swing 
of the lash and that road way was fast negotiated, 
arriving at the Green Farm just in good time for sup¬ 
per, with Basil booked there for yet another night, 
but the results of that day’s work were sufficient, 
for any sort or length of delay and no mourning was 
thought of because it had to be. 

Basil had another night to further work out his 
plans, everything had so far gone swimmingly his 
way, he had handsomely commended the old man, 
for the skillful method employed in securing that 
option, it had been slickly done he said, and yet, the 
price agreed upon was a fair one under present con¬ 
ditions, thus, he could see no impropriety in making 
a sharp deal, the building of the road was necessary 
to enhance the value of the property and was it not 
up to him, ‘‘Basil Carter,” to find some way to get 
that road built, heaven only knows what obstacles he 
had before him, he had no money and he had no in¬ 
fluence, true, he had acquired that franchise, but 
that was only a first stepping stone, capital must be 
dragged from the pockets and bank accounts of city 
capitalists, and to a very large amount, as capital 
was considered by Basil. 


102 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


As Basil mulled over the affair after retiring for 
the night, he decided to first search out a competent 
civil engineer, to go over the route and supply him 
with tentative estimates of cost, thus on the morrow 
he would take as early a train as possible for the big 
city. He had the “Danby team” yet in his posses¬ 
sion, but had communicated with the stable man so 
he was not uneasy about it, of course the charges 
would be somewhat heavy, but Basil did not worry 
about that, he felt that he had made good the time 
and expense in what had been accomplished. 

In the morning at the breakfast table, they talked 
much of the incidents and results of the day before, 
and mother inquired of Basil something of his pres¬ 
ent plans, but he was not very communicative, for 
he had not his plans very definitely formulated, and 
in leaving, told them they might expect him to re¬ 
turn at most any time to pass the night, thus, he took 
leave of these good people much as a son would part 
with his parents, in fact, there existed on both sides 
about the same degree of fondness as between par¬ 
ent and child. 

Basil left the Green farm in a greatly different 
attitude of feeling, from that he possessed when ar¬ 
riving there, the dread he then experienced, had 
changed to fond regard for the old man, so greatly 
maligned by his informant at the city hotel. This 
gave Basil an eye opener as to what might be ex¬ 
pected or encountered, regarding the ordinary course 
of human events, “one may not be so bad as painted 
by another, one should not altogether judge another 
by the painting made by another.” 

Basil had discovered in the old man a marked 
trait of determination and self regard, he also had 
discovered in him a tendency to combativeness 
whenever he adjudged another, as attempting to 
override the bounds of business propriety and fair¬ 
ness, thus, Basil could see how the feeling present 


103 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


between the city people and the old man, regarding 
the franchise, could have been brought about. Evi¬ 
dently, they had attempted to acquire that franchise, 
as advantageously to themselves as possible, which 
of course is the natural way, in the average business 
conducted between man and man, but undoubtedly, 
it was not so much the act committed as the method 
employed, that had barked up the wrong side of the 
old man. 

The evening following the day of leaving his 
aged friends, Basil found himself back at the hotel 
in the big city. After supper, as he sat there in the 
lobby, his friend who had imparted the necessary 
information to enable him to hunt up “his baby,” 
came leisurely along in, and seeing Basil, took a 
chair near him. Conversation upon general topics 
soon began which led up to the stranger inquiring 
of Basil in a casual way, of what nature might be 
his business in the city, to which Basil replied, “I 
am looking up a couple of lines somewhat.” 

“Oh, a lawyer,” suggested the other, “on an in¬ 
vestigation trip for someone?” 

“Well, yes,” replied Basil, “it might be consid¬ 
ered that all right, by the way, were you requested 
to hunt up a reliable and competent civil engineer, 
would you care to name the man you would seek?” 

The stranger replied, “The best, actually the best 
in this vicinity, is George Somers and he is reason¬ 
able, quite reasonable, in his charges and thoroughly 
reliable, with 'mum as the word’ regarding his un¬ 
dertakings, his place is on Fourth Street near Elm. 
Oh, I now recall, that you said you were somewhat 
in the contracting line, thus it seems easy, to account 
for your need of a civil engineer.” 

“Yes,” replied Basil, as he arose, remarking of a 
sleepy tendency calling for retirement. 

The next morning Basil called upon Mr. Somers 
and after an hour of conversation, in which they ar- 


104 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


range, to start together the following day for Ender- 
ton by trolley, and then secure a team to leisurely 
pass up through old “Urban Valley ,, on a trip of in¬ 
spection, from which to form a tentative estimate of 
cost to build a roadbed for Basil’s trolley equipment. 
They expected to employ at least two days in nego¬ 
tiating the trip, and engaged the team with that un¬ 
derstanding. 

In due time off they were on the preliminary sur¬ 
vey and Basil, was all eyes and ears for everything 
that presented itself, learning much from his asso¬ 
ciate, that afterwards stood him in good stead. 

Having completed the trip of inspection and es¬ 
timating, our inspectors returned to the city hotel 
and spent a day together in placing the estimates in 
proper form, then to forpiulate the specifications, for 
placing them before the contractors for bidding. 

Basil left this latter work for the engineer and 
betook himself off upon another phase of the case, 
this time in learning of the inclinations and methods, 
of the different financial institutions in several large 
cities. 

It was Basil’s intention to finance the building of 
that road, by the sale of bonds to be issued upon the 
franchise; he did not know that such a plan had 
ever been attempted, or even that it were possible, 
but he reasoned that it could work no harm to try 
it out. Basil had often observed that when needed 
upon any transportation issue, money had always 
been plenty, as “the people will ride” whenever op¬ 
portunity offers, thus, it comes easy as an investment 
in an equipment to serve them; always is transporta¬ 
tion considered remunerative, easily explaining why, 
capital is always available for the building of rail¬ 
roads. 

Basil did not overlook the fact that perhaps in¬ 
fluence which he did not possess, might be a neces¬ 
sary adjunct, but never undaunted in anything he 


105 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


undertook, went as fearlessly about securing the 
necessary capital, as he had done in obtaining the 
franchise. Boldly approaching the president of a 
large banking house, he plainly and frankly places 
the case before him as a supposition. 

‘‘Should a man possess a franchise for an electric 
road through a certain business valley, well inhab¬ 
ited and with no rail facilities of any kind, with 
many manufacturing plants along the line, with all 
of their frieght in and out available to this road for 
transportation, now, supposing such a case, would 
it meet your ideas of good security, by the issuance 
of thirty-year bonds for the money to build that 
road?” 

A few moments’ thought and the reply was, 
“Yes, it would be excellent security for the money, 
if everything suggested was present and under com¬ 
petent management, provided, the price of the bonds 
was satisfactory, no difficulty whatever to make it 
appear as an excellent investment, if the issue does 
not overburden it.” 

“Well, then,” Basil replies, “such a proposition 
is now in the works, but not yet quite ready for the 
investing public, everything you suggest is present 
but the experienced management, while that I think 
can easily be secured.” 

“Kindly inform me when you are ready,” replies 
the banker, “we will be glad to entertain a portion 
of the proposition, by the way, how much money will 
be necessary to finance the proposition?” 

“I am not prepared to say at present, the esti¬ 
mates are not yet complete,” replied Basil. 

“Very well, come again when you are ready,” 
said the banker. 

Basil consulted another, and then another, and 
then repaired to another large city and consulted 
two or three there, all with much the same results. 
There appeared but one thing that might handicap 

106 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Basil, in his effort to successfully finance “his baby” 
through a bond issue as he proposed, and that was 
in the banker’s stipulation, “efficient management”; 
this might mean by men of influence and well-known 
ability in that particular line, but, Basil reasoned, 
“such men can be employed, that point need not 
block my plan and it shall not.” 

Basil had now fully satisfied himself that he 
could and would, make his plan work and the next 
thing to do, was to incorporate and then have the 
bonds printed. 

Thus a lawyer was the next proposition on hand. 
Basil inquired of several business men and of course, 
had several lawyers recommended; here, was a case 
of judgment and in some respects it was a gamble, 
but after several days he had it resolved down to 
three, but of these he could not determine which, 
and apparently there was little preference, so after 
becoming vexed with himself for not being able to 
decide, he resolved to deposit those names in his 
hat and draw the lucky one, or the victim, which¬ 
ever it might prove to be, and thus he secured his 
lawyer, who was a Mr. Mason. 

Basil at once upon his decision repaired to the 
lawyer’s office and soon, they had entered into the 
corporation matter, with much animated spirit 
shown by both himself and the attorney. 

The attorney was much impressed with his 
young client, perhaps more because he was so young, 
with so important a proposition for his undertakings, 
yet he could find no impracticable or unfeasible prop¬ 
erties in the premises, everything had been worked 
out in a natural way, as if proposed by a much more 
experienced person in that line. 

The papers were duly drawn, executed and for¬ 
warded to the secretary of state, also the form for 
the bond was prepared and placed in the hands of 
the engraver. 


107 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


The engineer had now completed the specifica¬ 
tions for the building of the roadbed, the maximum 
figure for cost had been determined, contractors 
invited to call to examine the plans and specifica¬ 
tions, and on or before a given day to hand in their 
bids. 

To this point everything had been kept pretty 
close, but few had any idea of what was going on, 
and the papers had been baffled also; of course it 
now had to come out and it did with a rush, the 
papers were full of it both in reporting, what they 
had learned and much more that they had not 
learned. Basil’s name had not been learned, he had 
contrived to shield that. 

The lawyer had provided the incorporators, so 
only their names were known, but as it was believed 
that the real owners thereof were a syndicate of cap¬ 
italists, as is often the case, nothing was thought of 
that phase of the matter. 

Thirty days were allowed the contractors, to 
bring in their construction figures and this time was 
employed by Basil, in preparing for and effecting the 
company organization. 

The corporation capital was placed at ‘Two 
Hundred Thousand Dollars,” to build and equip “an 
electric railroad seventeen miles long”; when this 
became known, and nothing more, there was a hue 
and a cry set forth that might almost be termed 
“a bedlam let loose.” Upon the face of it, the public 
declared it could not be done, it never had been 
done, another fool had appeared and another folly 
was to come forth. 

The engineer was sought out and plied with 
questions, the attorney was interviewed by several re¬ 
porters, but none knew anything concerning the popu¬ 
larly styled “freak road.” The charter was duly grant¬ 
ed under the name of the “Urban Valley Electric Rail- 


108 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


way,” being authorized to transport freight and pas¬ 
sengers without restriction. 

The wonder was, how the thing could be properly 
built and equipped, with that small capitalization. 

As the weeks passed around it began to be suspect¬ 
ed, that the “real in’ards of the critter” were yet un¬ 
known to the public, but this kept the newspaper men 
busy, for it was one on them and a bad one, too, that a 
railroad could be projected, incorporated, organized 
and contracted to be built, with the “inevitable news¬ 
paper” left in ignorance as to who is who, absolutely. 
The incorporators’ names appeared on the state rec¬ 
ords, but the paper men knew that proved nothing, 
dummies were plenty in any old place. 

Basil was a busy man about these days, he realized 
his was no part of a small task. 

The estimated cost of building the railway, did not 
call for a very large amount, there was little cutting 
and filling and only one small bridge, but the rails, 
rolling stock and power equipment, were to cost money 
and Basil found his bond issue must be “Six Hundred 
Thousand Dollars.” Now would that be sufficient? He 
had not received definite prices for all the equipment, 
some of it was just estimated, and then, at what price 
could the bonds be sold? 

Basil gathered together whatever of data he had 
received, and called upon three of the bankers he had 
before interviewed, determined if possible, to learn 
their ideas of what can be realized upon the bonds. 

Basil is informed by the bankers that they can give 
ninety for the bonds and each, will take a hundred 
thousand dollars face value, guaranteeing full pay¬ 
ment within ninety days. 

This bond sale will furnish Basil “Five Hundred 
and Forty Thousand Dollars,” for the construction and 
equipment of “his baby.” Will that be sufficient? is the 
inquiry, the engineer believes it will. 

“But,” Basil inquires, “will it require it all?” 


109 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“I cannot promptly answer that,” replies the engi¬ 
neer, “in a few days we will have the bids all in, then 
can be definite about it.” 

Basil was debating whether or not he should mar¬ 
ket the full issue, he desired no further obligation than 
necessary and resolved to attempt the cutting down 
process, should the bids exceed the preliminary esti¬ 
mates. One morning he had the whole bunch upon his 
table, which was located in the engineer’s office, the 
total footing amounting to “Five Hundred and Twen¬ 
ty-Five Thousand Dollars,” leaving him as a starter 
in operation with Fifteen Thousand. 

Basil was much pleased at the present outlook and 
he need no longer fret over it, that “Trolley Road” is 
now an assured fact. 

The letting of the contracts is the next thing in or¬ 
der and Basil, with the engineer, is busy in awarding 
them. 

A meeting of incorporators had been held several 
days before, of people wholly selected by Basil Carter, 
an organization complete had been effected, to serve as 
permanent incumbent of the office. 

They are now fully equipped to do business and the 
grading of the roadbed has begun, rolling stock or¬ 
dered and the contract placed for the power plant, all 
these construction matters were directly in charge of 
the engineer. 

The bonds were now printed and the amount or¬ 
dered by the bankers, placed in their hands to sell to 
the public, the price to the capitalist being ninety- 
three; true, only one-half of the total amount had as 
yet been subscribed for, but Basil reasoned that as the 
work progressed, without further effort on his part, 
there would be a call for the remaining bonds suffi¬ 
ciently fast, and he was not disappointed in this. 

The contracts called for completion of the work 
and delivery of equipment, on or before the first day of 
May following. 


110 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Basil had now to secure the deed of the property 
at Lakeville, to enable the contractors to commence 
upon the power plant, thus he decided to again make 
his aged friends and benefactors a short visit, realiz¬ 
ing that they would be delighted to learn, from his 
own lips, many details relating to his progress, that 
the newspapers had been in ignorance of. 

Basil decided to go by the same route he had taken, 
upon his first trip to that district, because knowing the 
stable keeper he could more readily obtain a team, for 
what might prove a somewhat extended stay; in fact, 
he could not say how long he might need the team. 

To finance all the operations necessary to the in¬ 
corporation, organization and matters incidental 
thereto, Basil found he had eaten into his small capi¬ 
tal to a considerable extent. Engineer, lawyer, bond 
engraving and printing, hotel and traveling expenses, 
all had appeared to cost money; true, he had now not 
only a franchise, but also a full-fledged railroad cor- 
portion, he had paid his way into all this and yet, 
possessed one-half of his original capital. 

Arriving at Danby station, Basil had an economic 
idea conceived and why not follow its dictates? Sure¬ 
ly, Mr. Green would not object to use his “spanking 
pair” to return him to the railroad station and may¬ 
hap, he would be only delighted at the opportunity. 

Basil accosted the stable man with, “How much 
will you charge to deliver me safe and sound, to the 
dooryard of Darius Green?” 

“Ha, ha,” cried the stable man,” economical 
this, eh?” 

“Right you are,” replied Basil, “have to be, lost 
some of my money since last we met.” 

“Ah, say, my boy,” retorted the stable man,” how 
about that railroad over in the Valley that we have 
been reading about? Are you interested with the old 
man in that? Methinks that's what you are a galli¬ 
vanting around in these parts about, but then, I can't 


ill 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


hitch on that economy of yours as a natural trait of a 
railroad magnate.” 

“Well, then,” replied Basil, “perhaps you had bet¬ 
ter guess again, for there are other kinds of business 
sometimes going on in this neighborhood, think you 
not so, my man?” 

“Well, as you are not inclined to be very commu¬ 
nicative, will answer your first question and say, we 
will deliver you into Uncle Darius' hands for two- 
fifty.” 

“Hitch up the mare,” cried Basil, “and off 
we’ll go.” 

A while later the foster father and son, were grin¬ 
ning at each other and vigorously engaged in jolly 
hand-shaking, with the foster mother rushing out of 
the door to participate in the game, wherein the prodi¬ 
gal has returned. 

“We’ve read all about it, all about the whole ma¬ 
neuvering,” cried the mother. “Let me tell you, too, 
how proud and happy we are of you, my dear boy, the 
good Lord truly blessed this prosy old pair, when He 
sent you along this road, don’t ever tell me again, 
‘Darius Green,’ that nobody ever did anything for 
you and yours.” 

“Well, Basil,” continued mother, “how have you 
been and have you been much worried over all of them 
complications, with engineers and lawyers and all sorts 
of robbers out after your money, have you got any left 
after having all that crowd so long on your trail?” 

“Hold on, mother, by gum, by gum,” cried the old 
man, “don’t you see he is all done up a’ready and can’t 
smooth his phiz down to reply at all, to sech a contin¬ 
uous volley of artillery as that, by gum, that beats all 
my limited knowledge, of your ability as an oration 
orator, land alive, what a stump speaker you would 
have been, if the old folks had dressed you up the 
proper way to make it proper.” All are now convulsed 


112 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


with laughter and the old man suggests they might 
now find time to enter the house. 

“Yes, yes,” retorted mother, “and Basil must be 
hungry, so I’ll hike to the kitchen.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried the old man, “you can talk any 
man hungry in the small part of no time.” 

Thus while dinner was being prepared the men 
chatted on merrily, concerning the matter uppermost 
in all their minds. “By gum, boy, but you did make 
the dry bones rattle all day and every day; we, mother 
and I, did go over that ere newspaper stem to stern, 
for every day it had some new move to tell about and 
never a word, as to who the new culprit in the crime 
was, by gum, that was gunned a mighty sight closer 
and sharper, than any political game I ever tried to 
run and they generally say, 'Darius Green’ has his 
fences all properly close and sharply constructed, 
when suthin’ is a doin’ in politics, but, my boy, I really 
would like to see you run a game of politics once, by 
gum, I believe them shifty fellers would get more or 
less shifted.” 

“Dinner is ready,” was the call, as mother appeared 
in the doorway. “I haven’t been a bit particular,” said 
mother, “for I am so anxious and fidgety to hear about 
them detail matters, as to how you managed to deal 
with all them different kinds of fellers and so com¬ 
pletely, keep out of the limelight yourself, why, I never 
before knew of a thing or a person that didn’t have 
any bottom, and this apparently did not have one that 
was worth havin’, if it had, the public can’t be allowed 
tc see it.” 

Basil here proceeded to recite much, of how mat¬ 
ters had been conducted to reach the present situation, 
the old people sat and listened, apparently enraptured 
at what they heard. 

“There, Mr. 'Darius Green’, think you now that a 
mistake was made, when you shifted that franchise off 
your old and bent shoulders? A young man is worth 


113 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


two old ones at any kind of a game, in my way of 
thinkin’.” 

“Well, well, mother, I am thinkin" you well knew 
what I was in my younger days at any old game, and 
what’s the use, by gum, in naggin’ about deficiencies 
present at this late day?” 

Basil here led up to the land option in Lakeville 
and suggested that on the morrow, they call upon the 
deacon and try to arrange for taking up the option, 
inasmuch, as the contract had been left for construc¬ 
tion of the power plant, they must get busy at once so 
the contractor could go on the land. 

“How do you want to fix it,” inquired the old man, 
“suppose you have not yet obtained any cash from 
your bond sale?” 

“No,” replied Basil, “it will be some days yet be¬ 
fore any of that will become available. I have now in 
pocket a thousand dollars, I’m wondering if you could 
spare five hundred for a couple of weeks or so, and if 
so, we can at once get the land deed.” 

“But,” interrupted the old man, “it’s sixteen hun¬ 
dred the option calls for.” 

“Yes, I know,” retorted Basil, “but the option runs 
some time yet and I think if fifteen hundred, are 
pushed under the deacon’s nose tomorrow, with a de¬ 
mand for that deed, the money will look so good to him 
that we shall get the deed, because he needs money and 
it may be worth more to him now than if held off un¬ 
til sometime later, as many times it is said, “a bird in 
the hand is worth two in the bush.” 

“Yes, boy, guess that’s good logic all right, and yes, 
I can spare that five hundred that you don’t happen to 
have. We’ll get behind “The Pair” after breakfast in 
the morning and let the deacon, smell of the fifteen 
hundred and if it don’t nauseate him, mayhap he’ll 
cough up that deed.” 

Next morning they were off. “The Pair” were 
feeling their oats and so also, were the pair on the 


114 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


buggy seat. It might have been difficult for even an 
expert to have decided, which of the two was the most 
boyish in his deportment and the old man openly con¬ 
fessed “he felt mighty coltish.” 

“By gum,” he cried, “never felt so good over any 
victory I ever brought forth in all my born days, even 
in politics, by gum.” 

“But,” Mr. Green, interrupted Basil, “before this 
achievement could come to pass, you were due to se¬ 
cure that franchise and against, an array of formid¬ 
able politicians probably, thus, your service and tact 
in the premises must not be belittled, personally, I am 
but an auxiliary or perhaps just a happening, I could 
certainly do no less than I have, if attempting to do 
anything, therefore the least I can say is that “honors 
are even.” 

“Now about the transfer of this property?” said 
Basil, “it must appear that I am the purchaser; hav¬ 
ing some money at hand, you influenced me to put it 
into this property as a permanent investment, nobody 
hereabouts knows or thinks it is to be used by the rail¬ 
road, for it is generally believed that the power plant 
is to be located at Enderton and that, is where you sup¬ 
posed it would be you remember?” 

“Yes,” replied the old man, “I have heard several 
speak that way of the location of the power plant, so 
that is all right, just as everything you do is the prop¬ 
er one.” 

“The Pair” had reached the “deacon's dooryard,” 
the deacon had seen them coming some little time be¬ 
fore, therefore, already had screwed his wrinkly coun¬ 
tenance up to a beaming smile, greeting his callers in, 
for him, an especially happy way. 

“Good morrow, Neighbor Green. Good morrow, 
my young friend, hope I see you healthy and happy.” 

“Indeed you do,” replied the old man, “and person¬ 
ally, you should be happy also, for I have so labored 
with this young man, who, having a little money on 

115 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


hand, has decided to invest it in your Lakeville prop¬ 
erty, if the color of good money appears properly good 
to you. It is this way, he has right under his fist, 
‘fifteen hundred’ as good dollars as ever Uncle Sam’s 
machinery milled out, and that is the full size of his 
pile and he will swap it for a good and sufficient deed 
of that property.” 

“But,” retorted the deacon, “the option price is six¬ 
teen hundred, you can help him out with the other hun¬ 
dred, can’t you, Darius?” 

“No I can’t, moreover, that option has some time 
yet to run,” replied the old man, “it is fifteen hundred 
right now, or perhaps sixteen hundred later, if I can 
find one who will swap that amount for your land, but 
no urgin’, deacon, you know your own business, what 
time is it Basil, we must be off.” 

The deacon scratched his head, hemmed and 
hawed, blew his nose, pocketed his bandanna and de¬ 
manded twenty-four hours to think it over, saying, 
“It was a surprise to him and he could not quickly de¬ 
cide a surprise.” 

But the old man cautioned the deacon, “to strike 
while the iron is hot,” the good book you know says: 
‘There is no tellin’ what a day may bring forth,’ and 
this young man is soon to leave for other parts, known 
or unknown.” 

“Now, see here, Darius, supposedly this young 
man is the would-be purchaser, as yet, however, he 
has not opened his mouth concerning the deal through¬ 
out, perhaps he might relieve the pressure here pres¬ 
ent, by promising to pay over the other hundred later.” 

Basil here remarked, that he did not care to incur 
any obligation for future settlement, his dealings must 
be for cash alone and thus far in his business life they 
had been. 

“Well,” replied the deacon, “I am going to take 
your money, it’s too cheap for the property, but some 
time may pass before another purchaser comes this 


116 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


way, yet, my friends, the coming of that railroad 
would, if I did not need money so badly right now, sell 
that property for more money, fifteen hundred now 
will I think be worth quite as much as more would 
later, now let's go over to the squire's and conclude 
the matter.” 

One hour later and “The Pair” were spanking 
towards home, perhaps with an imaginative notion, 
of the 'good bites there present in the manger. 

Arriving home duly for supper, the full account 
of the day's happenings were recited to mother; again 
she seemed glorified at what she was pleased to call 
Basil's “pot of luck and enormous tact.” 

The following week the local paper at Lake¬ 
ville announced that “work upon the grading of the 
roadbed will commence the following Monday and 
simultaneously material for the substructure of the 
power plant, which is to be located on the north 
side of the pond upon the Deacon Seldon property, 
will begin to arrive by team from the nearby hills, 
that the superstructure material will not arrive until 
the roadbed is sufficiently complete, to allow the 
passing of work cars upon it, as the haul is a long 
one and too expensive by teams.” 

The aforesaid item completely stirred the rural 
denizens of that vicinity, especially rank did the 
stirring take hold of “Deacon Selden,” who mentally 
did some cursing of “Darius Green,” as he charac¬ 
terized that land deal. “A comsummate conspir¬ 
acy,” and yet why should he growl, being obliged to 
accept any proposition whatever, only as he had so 
placed himself that he coveted the other fellow’s 
money and really, considered he must have it, he 
might charge that the other fellow took advantage 
of his necessity, but in honor bound was he not 
obliged to come back to himself and inquire whether 
or not, with the relationship reversed, he would have 


117 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


done otherwise than had Basil, or as he was wont 
to ascribe the wrong, to Darius Green? 

After supper was over and mother had her work 
all done up, Basil asked them to listen awhile and he 
would unfold to them a situation, probably very un¬ 
like anything they ever had heard of. He began by 
reciting some incidents of school days, with the com¬ 
pact made between himself and associates, when 
they each in turn attempted to interrupt, with ex¬ 
clamation of “impossible, it can’t be done;” he at 
once silenced them by an appeal for them to listen 
until he was quite through, when he would answer 
all questions and satisfy them, with whatever infor¬ 
mation they desired. 

It can be said right here, that long before he had 
completed his recital, his listeners’ curiosity had 
overcome their incredulity and consternation, while 
both had become impregnated with the adventure to 
a high degree, a progressive spirit appeared to have 
taken a place in their lives, first, with expressions 
of wonderment at the conception of the scheme, and 
then, the actuality that had thus far arrived at com¬ 
pletion. Yet another surprise had to be broken in 
upon these already greatly surprised people, the 
fact, that the parents of these enterprising young 
scions, had consented and even abetted this seem¬ 
ingly wild proposal, every feature of the case was in¬ 
deed a problem, to these simple country folk and 
Basil had handled them in exactly the proper manner, 
to finally gain their approval and hold their interest, 
which now had greatly excited their curiosity, con¬ 
cerning the state of the game with his associates. Up¬ 
on this point, however, Basil could afford them no 
comfort, for under the compact none should disclose 
their accomplishments to the others, until the next 
meeting of “the Alliance” at the end of the year’s 
sojourn. 

The old man emphatically declared, “that it was 


118 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


the greatest, the most unheard of and unnatural 
proposition ever thought out by human brain, or ever 
attempted to execute by a human agency, that now 
more than ever, am I interested in the success of that 
Valley railroad.” 

Mother also tumbled into the same train and 
hoped to live long enough, to witness the working out 
of the entire plan by three such boys as that, sol¬ 
emnly declaring, that they had already shown the 
proper spirit necessary, to make it an unqualified 
success, saying, “I vum, I did think this railroad 
scheme was somethin’ worth settin’ up and takin’ no¬ 
tice of, but now have discovered that to be only one 
end of the whole game. Now, Darius Green, in your 
old age and after all your pretended smartness, in 
a dabblin’ in political nothin’s and the tail end of 
other people’s kites, you can sit up and look on to 
somethin’ worth lookin’ at and hereafter, endeavor to 
find and occupy your proper place and not try to 
straddle higher, than your straddle was made to 
straddle.” 

“Yes, yes, mother, by gum, you’ve said a pretty 
little piece and by gum, you’ve said it better than 
‘Darius Green’ could, if he had practiced on it all 
day and part of tomorrow.” 

“Who of your alliance, Basil,” continued the old 
man, “was the first to suggest this unheard-of and 
heretofore impossible scheme ? Indeed, I should 
greatly like to look in the eye and shake the hand of 
that genius, by gum, and if it was you, I’d take that 
shake right now.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared Basil, “But Mr. Green, I 
cannot claim that honor, my chum, Wesley Hart, is 
the genius behind that suggestion and when you 
meet him, Mr. and Mrs. Green, you will soon dis¬ 
cover that he might be quite equal to it, moreover, 
you will also discover that he is a greater sticker for 
frankness, honesty and straightaway tactics, than the 


119 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


member of The Triple Alliance’ that you are now ac¬ 
quainted with. I am thinking that Wesley would 
hardly have taken the commission for prompt pay¬ 
ment, out of the deacon’s land deal and I am a little 
uncertain that it should have been done, although I 
know it is but a common kind of business transaction, 
as the business world in general views such tactics. 
It is, however, only dishonorable in the light of Tak¬ 
ing advantage of another’s necessity,’ and can I 
really know, it was a necessity on the deacon’s part? 
How can I know that it was not an agency employed 
as bait, to lure us on to assuming the load he was 
carrying and parting with our good money in his be¬ 
half, that being the case, were we not justified in re¬ 
quiring the cash discount? Later, we may be able 
to determine and if we find we were not justified, he 
shall receive that other hundred dollars.” 

“Now Basil,” remarked the old man, “you have 
told us that the size of your capital was but two 
thousand dollars. I have figured a bit and cannot 
clearly make out that after all the time and travel, 
you have put together since leaving home, you can 
have a very full pocket after coughing up that thou¬ 
sand of the deacon’s money. To get about and do all 
you have accomplished, by gum, think you must 
have lived on tripe and injun meal, blacked your 
own shoes and scraped your own face, on the place 
where some hair ought to grow, so if you won’t take 
it as an insult, I’d like you to take that other five 
hundred, that I’ve got just a layin’ around idler than 
a shiftless dog, and put it in your pocket to use when 
you feel like usin’ it.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried mother, “that’s one of the best 
suggestions I have ever known you, Darius Green, 
to make in all the time I’ve known you since we up 
and got married.” 

“But, mother,” retorted Darius, “how does it 
compare with any proposal, that I made you before 
we got married?” 


120 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


“Now, Darius Green, as usual you can't be decent 
enough, to confine your remarks to the subject before 
the meetin’, which don't antedate the date when we 
were both fools enough to ‘up and do it,' like most 
everybody else does. As I was a sayin', the idea that 
your idea embodied, is a good one and Basil is sensi¬ 
ble enough to discover it, so there ain't anything 
further to be said about that." 

“But," interrupted Basil, “do you know that in ac¬ 
cepting that kind proposal it will greatly embarrass 
me, for certainly it would cast a beggarly halo about 
me, thus causing me to lose in a measure my own 
self-respect, and a sum total of your confidence and 
kind regard, if not in very fact, then in imagination, 
which I fear would cause me to feel a bit uncom¬ 
fortable. I have a few dollars yet abiding with me 
and soon, I shall again be within my own father's 
gates, who will probably for my good company keep 
me going so long as I remain, and then, the ‘Urban 
Valley Road' will be in funds, to take over the pond- 
grove property and so return my money therein at 
present invested." 

“Yes, now I see the force of your remark, Basil," 
retorted Darius, “it's good logic all right, but listen to 
me when I tell you, my arms and pocket are always 
open to you and your desires, because I thoroughly 
believe you will never abuse any privilege accorded 
you. Where do you think of residing when you re¬ 
turn for real business?" 

“I think for business reasons," replied Basil, 
“headquarters for the railroad should be at Ender- 
ton and that, is the logical place for me to anchor 
in." 

“I am glad of that," said mother, “for that is 
only about twenty-three miles away and ‘The Pair,’ 
can easily put us down there in two hours, just a 
good ride you know and enjoyable, very, whenever 
we feel a longin' to see you. By the way, Basil, 


121 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


suppose you are intendin’ to set up housekeepin’ like 
most everybody else does?” 

“Haw, haw, haw,” shouted Darius, “I wonder 
that ere query haint come afore this late hour, by 
gum, mother, you should have bestowed upon you, 
‘a leather medal cased in roses’, for holding on to 
your curiosity-bump like that, for it certainly is a 
great feat when accomplished by a woman.” 

“Now stop, Darius Green, right there, as that 
subject is not up before this meetin’, you are always 
a gittin’ out of order on the wrong side of everything 
and everybody.” 

“Haw, haw, haw,” roared both Basil and the old 
man, when Basil with a broad grin remarked: 

“Mrs. Green, you have surmised more or less cor¬ 
rectly, according to the most natural course of 
events, that will probably come to pass upon a day, 
perhaps not in a most remote future, it has been 
said that ‘everything in life desires to mate’, thus it 
would seem as ‘folly to be wise’, in that I should set 
myself up as an exception, to the law of nature and 
the rule of mankind.” 

“Yes, I see,” replied mother, “but is she all 
ready— 

“Ha, ha, ha,” again roared the old man, “she’s 
a cornin’ again Basil, I ’spected it, by gum I did,” and 
observing Basil to hesitate a bit, immediately turned 
the subject by inquiring about the company organ¬ 
ization. Who have you located for directors, Basil, 
fixed it, I suppose, so you will know who is who and 
what is goin’ to be done about it?” 

“Why, yes,” was the reply, “I think so, you see 
it was this way, I had the franchise through your 
kindness and I procured that pond-grove property, 
again through your aid and intercession. The at¬ 
torney and engineer both decided, the franchise is 
fully worth the amount of the capital stock, and the 
pond-grove property for the purpose of a Company 


122 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Asset, is worth ten thousand dollars, therefore, I 
could legally acquire the full amount of the stock 
for the franchise and rightfully, receive in cash the 
value of the grove property, so I compromised the 
property matter and sold the company, the property 
for one-half the adjusted valuation, thus, the full is¬ 
sue of stock comes to me, there are Two thousand 
shares at one hundred dollars per share, par value.’ 
Now two hundred of these shares are to be issued to 
‘Darius Green’ as per our agreement, fifty shares are 
for George Somers, the engineer, the same amount 
to each of the following: Lawyer E. J. Mason and 
Jason Carter, the remaining shares to Basil Carter; 
these constitute the board of directors, who are to 
meet tomorrow at Enderton to elect officers,” and 
handing out a paper, “this is your notice of the meet¬ 
ing, Mr. Green.” 

“Well, well, well, by gum, Basil, you’ve did that 
up well, who’s who, I guess you are fully aware of all 
there is to that end, by gum, mother, you sized that 
sizing up mighty right when you sized up “Basil 
Carter.” 

“Well, Basil, we’ll let ‘The Pair’ spank us over to 
Enderton in the morning and take our time a cornin’ 
back.” 

“But,” retorted Basil, “I am not to return. After 
the meeting is adjourned, I shall arrange as soon as 
possible to depart for New England, as I would en¬ 
joy being home on New Year’s day when the young 
people there, generally enjoy an old-fashioned ‘coun¬ 
try pow-wow,’ for the entertainment of those who 
celebrated the fete, thirty to forty years before.” 

“Are your ‘Alliance Associates’ to return in time 
for that,” inquired mother? 

“I do not know, neither do they know that I am to 
be present, never a word has passed between us in 
the brief communication we have had, regarding any¬ 
thing we were doing or intended to do. It was under- 


123 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


stood when we parted, that only our health and loca¬ 
tion from time to time were to be mentioned, and 
truly indeed, has that understanding been sacredly 
kept inviolate, as has every other stipulation thus 
far encountered. We are all due to be there present 
together on the first day of March, then to disclose 
everything past, present and future.” 

“I can’t get all this satisfactorily into my head,” 
cried the old man, “it don’t fit into anything I ever 
knew or read about, every minute I am more and 
more interested in the final outcome, of such an im¬ 
possible possibility as that would be, with any other 
combination of human nature, but by gum, if there 
could be more, much more of such brotherly, confi¬ 
dential, unselfish and magnanimous relationship, 
among men, what a paradise to live in would be this 
old world of ours.” 

The morning saw them off, including mother, for 
she desired to do some shopping while they were 
attending to business and so, be company for her hus¬ 
band on his return. “The Pair” were up and dressed 
in their best spirits and spanked over that twenty- 
three miles of hill and vale country road, at a gait 
that would put many a beast to shame and which, so 
caused the bracing December atmosphere to affect 
mother’s cheeks, as to call forth the remark from 
Darius, that mother was again cornin’ back to her 
own, as he knew her when at last she consented to 
that first kiss. 

“Darius Green, you simple simpletonian, silly of 
all silliness, I’m completely and absolutely ashamed 
of you. I never consented, you know I never did, you 
stole it, you know you did and you got a slapped face 
for your pains and your punishment. I never, no I 
never expected with all your failings, Darius Green, 
to observe you as one having lost all decency and be¬ 
come the pitiable and senseless object, that that silly 
and wicked remark has proclaimed you to be.” 


124 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Arriving at Enderton, they, the men and mother, 
separated until after the meeting, when they were to 
lunch together. 

The meeting went off in due form, everything as 
Basil had suggested, but Basil relied much upon what 
suggestions had been made by the attorney and en¬ 
gineer, as to requirements and policies. Basil was not 
a conceited pig-headed fellow at all, he realized he had 
much to learn concerning business in general and es¬ 
pecially, the running of a railroad. 

The engineer was a very practical man and had 
seen a lot of experience demonstrated by others. More¬ 
over, Basil knew a practical railroad man would be 
secured as superintendent and with such men as asso¬ 
ciates, he was unconcerned as to the success in the 
management end of his enterprise. 

The revenue possibility also appeared assured. 
Surely there would be sufficient traffic from the start, 
to more than care for the current expenses; moreover, 
the traffic must certainly increase from the big cities 
near both ends of his road, by involving the pond and 
the pretty grove for picnic parties throughout the 
summer, as he expected to have the road open to the 
public on the first of June, the best time in the whole 
year, as nearly a full season's business could then be 
counted upon. 

The directors were all enthusiastic concerning 
the enterprise, believing with the small capitalization 
involved, the road would earn a large percentage on 
the stock. 

To continue to know who's who, Basil had exacted 
from each one of the stockholders an agreement or 
compact to the effect, that whenever they each and 
severally ceased from any cause or reason, to be a di¬ 
rector in the corporation, their holding of stock should 
be returned to Basil, from whom they had received it 
practically as a loan, but theirs to all intents and pur¬ 
poses so far as the income was concerned, actually, 

125 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the income upon this stock was their compensation 
for serving as directors, thus, their best interest and 
service was secured for the benefit of the enterprise. 

Basil, and, as he termed them, his benefactors, 
parted for the time with tender feelings of regret, 
they had become very fond of each other and the good- 
bys had come forth with much effort, especially on 
the part of the old people, this very likely because they 
were old and that thought, undoubtedly saddened them 
when suggested by the vigor of youth, displayed so 
plainly through Basil's incessant activity and youth¬ 
ful enthusiasm. 

“The Pair" were dashingly off with their aged pas¬ 
sengers, for their home upon the hills, while Basil pro¬ 
ceeded to complete his arrangements for leaving for 
his home and friends. 

First, he called upon the bankers having in charge 
the marketing of the bonds, so popular had the offer¬ 
ing been, that no concern was necessary regarding 
that end of the proposition, the financing of the enter¬ 
prise was already an assured success, Basil suddenly 
realized and with some surprise to himself, that “his 
baby" had already attained not only life, but health, 
strength, importance and popularity, occupying an in¬ 
dispensable position in the transportation problem of 
the nation, besides, assuring Basil a remuneration 
sufficiently large, for his contribution to “The Triple 
Alliance," as he now believed, equal to that of his Al¬ 
liance Associates, even though they may have made a 
hit in selecting “their babies". 

Now that the officers had been chosen, with Basil 
as president, George Somers, treasurer, and Attorney 
Mason's son, secretary, the stock was issued and the 
pond-grove property turned over to the company, 
Basil thereby receiving the money therefor from the 
treasury, which now had received about half of the 
bond money. Everything had been accomplished 
that could be, until the contractors had performed their 
tasks. 


126 


THE COVETED FRANCHISE 


Basil was now prepared to start on his homeward 
trip, except to return the five hundred borrowed of 
Mr. Green, which he did by check and found he had, 
after settling everything he was obligated for, includ¬ 
ing the first payment on the franchise of two thou¬ 
sand, on hand, twenty-two hundred and fifty dollars 
and seventeen hundred and fifty shares of “Urban 
Valley railroad stock”. All this from a two thousand 
dollar capital in possession, when starting out ten 
months before. 

Thus instead of Mr. Green loaning him five hun¬ 
dred as he desired to do, Basil had returned his loan 
of five hundred and two thousand besides on the fran¬ 
chise payment. The old man was taken completely off 
his pins, when receiving the check for twenty-five hun¬ 
dred dollars. Basil had not intimated to him that he 
was at present going to pay over this money, although 
he had all the time expected to do it before returning 
home. 

It was admitted by financiers in the big city, that 
Basil Carter had everybody beaten to a frazzle in the 
game of finance. 

Wishing Basil a joyful home reception, let's ascer¬ 
tain what has befallen Wesley Hart, for evil or for 
good. 


127 


CHAPTER IV 


THE PROHIB AND THE SPOOK 

Wesley, after leaving Denver, had in mind to visit 
some mining plants he had read about while in Den¬ 
ver, two of which were located in southern Montana, 
quite a way north to be sure, but location counted for 
but little against a good prospective. At the first one 
that could claim his attention, he found something 
greatly interesting, so far as witnessing what took 
place. At a very busy well-conducted and exceedingly 
profitable gold proposition, all owned by a syndicate 
of eastern capitalists, in full charge, however, of a 
western man as superintendent, who seemed to delight 
in receiving Wesley as a guest and imparting to him 
such information, as would have required years of 
real experience to acquire a full knowledge of. 

Wesley was invited to his home and made to feel 
as though he was one of them. This home was crude in 
some respects, and yet, much refinement was prac¬ 
ticed by its inmates, indeed, it was considered one of 
the best the country afforded. One of the family was 
a boy about the age of Wesley. Although very much 
alike in that respect, they were miles apart in many 
others and yet there was a common interest in sym¬ 
pathies between them, relating to some traits of char¬ 
acter, but the antagonism manifest in some ways 
seemed to cement them all the closer together. 

The father of this young man was well to do and 
doted upon his young scion; he had provided him a 
good education as education goes in common life, not 
however, a first-class college equipment, but sufficient 
for any condition in life he will be likely to encounter. 

The young man in question is Selkirk Graham, 
who will appear often as this story unfolds, having 
been employed about the works of his father as a 


128 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


wage earner, more through an interest to secure a 
proper training for him in that vocation, than for the 
wages he might receive. He liked the business and 
knew it as an exceedingly profitable one, in all prob¬ 
ability he would follow it from his father. 

During Wesley's stay of about two weeks, the boys 
were much together; this with the interest the father 
had shown in entertaining and educating Wesley, as 
to the byways and happenings constantly and some¬ 
times unexpectedly occurring, was of paramount value 
for availability later. 

Mr. Graham, senior, seemed much pleased to learn 
that Wesley, was intending to take up mining of some 
sort and said: “If a man possesses the nerve, the 
stick-to-it-iveness, the pluck and proper degree of de¬ 
termination, coupled with a high regard for honor 
and justice, I believe there is no better vocation than 
straight-away mining. 

“Now see here, my young friend,” exclaimed Mr. 
Graham, “I have discovered in you something more, 
than appears in the average young man and would be 
glad to assist you in locating, but I would recommend 
a location farther south. There are quite as good con¬ 
ditions for gold mining in Colorado and the climate is 
not as severe; again, one is near, or comparatively so, 
to large cities, this is an advantage in many ways, not 
the least is for a base of supplies, and then, society is 
an important factor for a young man to consider. 
What is life anyway without opportunity for enjoy¬ 
ment, money getting is honorable and necessary to a 
certain extent, but it is or should be only incidental, 
the most important thing is happiness. I intend to 
have my boy locate in a more neighborly and perhaps 
better civilized section than is Montana, he will follow 

father as to occupation but not in location. I did 
n/»L come up here until well along in life, as a young 
ms:n I never would have come. This property has 
im>re than doubled its profits since and naturally, they 


5 


129 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


desire to retain me, to do that, they refuse no demand 
of mine.” 

“The conditions here and in Colorado,” continues 
Mr. Graham, “call for much the same requirements 
in outfit and maintenance, thus all you have seen here, 
will serve you in good stead should you locate down 
there. 

“I have a brother-in-law in Colorado, that I have 
intended to have assist in locating my boy, if you think 
of going back there, I will write him a good word for 
you, Denver is of course the central figure for all 
things in Colorado, he is quite well acquainted and 
probably can put you in line with some excellent pros¬ 
pects, he is some older than I am and retired, I believe 
pretty well fixed and has no children to set up in 
business.” 

Monday morning was soon present, Mr. Graham 
had written his letter of recommendation to his broth- 
er-in-law, Wesley had taken it all sealed and ad¬ 
dressed, but did not notice the address as he deposited 
it in his pocket. 

While rolling rapidly across the country, Wesley 
engaged his thoughts with the occurrences of the past 
three weeks, a longer time than he had expected to re¬ 
main, but time passes so rapidly when one is being en¬ 
tertained in an interesting manner. Wesley muses, “I 
have been fortunate indeed in my newly found friends, 
the people in the west are truly cordial and I certainly 
should be an abominating ingrate, to forget or over¬ 
look in the slightest degree, these good people who 
have treated me thus kindly. Who could have believed 
a stranger complete of my youthful type, ever could 
have acquired that property in the manner, in which I 
obtained it of that genially kind Mr. Hunt?” 

Right here, is the very important point that Wesley 
in his musing overlooked, “the youthful type” as he 
put it, the old man had lived longer in the world than 
had Wesley, human nature had been one of his studies, 


130 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


he had learned from his observations that youth, un¬ 
sophisticated youth, had not, generally speaking, yet 
acquired the scheming untrustworthy habits, that fre¬ 
quent and continuous intercourse with business men, 
in their onward rush for yet another dollar is very 
likely to force upon it. 

“So much for what is behind," mused Wesley, “but 
what of that which is before ?" He was yet to meet 
other stranger acquaintances, the letter in his pocket 
would disclose to him one. “What, I wonder, will he 
be like?" The fact that he had been suggested by one 
so considerate in his behalf, should be good evidence 
in advance that he was not to encounter a monster 
and a smile passed over his countenance, as he contem¬ 
plated another interesting and entertaining character 
crossing his pathway. 

So greatly interested in coming events as por¬ 
trayed by his happy thoughts, Wesley's curiosity here 
began to assert its rights. “Who is this man and what 
is his name, this brother-in-law of that kindly benefi¬ 
cent Mr. Graham? Why, I have it in my pocket, ha, 
ha, now indeed, I will endeavor to analyze something 
of his character from his name." Drawing the letter 
from his pocket, what was his surprise, amounting 
almost to consternation, as he read “Jabez I. Hunt, 
Third Street, Denver, Colorado," in plain writing up¬ 
on the envelope. Over and over again Wesley read 
that address. “Can it be possible there is another of 
the same name living upon the same street, yes pos¬ 
sible, but not probable, what dragons of fate to thus 
decree, such complications in my environments, it ap¬ 
pears to lead almost to tragedy of some future day, 
with my pathway so elaborately strewn with myste¬ 
rious and yet happy perplexities." 

Throughout that long ride, Wesley had no concern 
for those sitting about him, it is doubtful that he was 
even aware that there were others, as his thoughts 
galloped along at so rapid and interesting a pace. Here 


131 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


he was with a letter of introduction, supposedly, to 
one of his best friends and even a benefactor indeed, 
certain it was to Wesley, that the addressee on that 
letter envelope was his friend of the land deal in Den¬ 
ver, for there it was plainly the same as upon the land 
conveyance. Had he been guilty of deceiving Mr. 
Graham, no, it could not be termed that, it might be, 
however, that he was an innocent deceiver, whatever 
that might be considered, but to turn the table, had 
his friend Mr. Hunt known of his intention to trip 
Montana, a letter of introduction to his brother-in-law, 
Mr. Graham, would have been accorded him and the 
complexity of that case, could have involved not even 
innocent deceit. 

Hour after hour Wesley went over the complex 
matter, sometimes wearing a smile that longed to 
linger, but was forced off the countenance by some 
dreadful thought of possibilities, until vexed with 
imagination that it should thus torture him with its 
vague pretentions, Wesley arose from his seat and 
strode across the car, continually repeating, “What's 
the use of all this fuss and fucle,” what am I, that 
vague rumors should thus upset me, what crime have 
I committed that I should be punished by doubts, that 
may lead to rank disappointments ? I have dealt hon¬ 
orably with all of whom I have had to do, and now, 
has this bright vision which has so kindly raised my 
hopes and aspirations, because of an unkind fate to 
depart from me ? Alas! I have cherished fond thoughts 
of what might come to pass, were the “Jabez I. Hunt" 
of the letter address, the “Jabez I. Hunt" I already 
know. A new friend indeed was it thus to remain, 
a friend indeed more fully intensified, through the sig¬ 
nificance of a kindly relationship introduction, or is it 
to be a stranger indeed, how nice to receive a recom¬ 
mend to one’s friend and benefactor, to justify the 
opinion and further warrant the confidence already 
bestowed. 


132 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


Upon arrival at the Denver station, Wesley at once 
entered the hotel and inquired for the city directory 
and eagerly his eyes passed on down the column of 
H’s, Hunt, Hunt, Hunt, but only one Jabez, only one, 
that one the very one he knew, the very street number, 
no mistake possible now, his doubts being dispelled, his 
vision of happiness seriously settled upon his coun¬ 
tenance. A good omen it seemed to Wesley, that these 
two relatives, living so far apart, should arrive at the 
same conclusion regarding him, it seemed to increase 
Wesley’s own self-respect, he had not been conceited, 
perhaps not sufficiently considerate had he been in 
that respect; in fact, he always had abhorred the trait 
of conceit in anyone, yet, it is but human to crave the 
high regard of one’s fellowmen, when one is so debased 
as to be unappreciative in this respect, that one has 
ceased to be truly and fully human, thus, Wesley Hart 
was forced to be merrily happy with the conditions and 
circumstances, under which he believed a kind fate had 
decreed should be his, thinking, however, that it should 
not be placed to his credit, as he had but simply 
blundered along. True, he had decided to gamble on 
that land purchase, but was he entitled to credit for 
gambling? Wesley was a great arguer with Wesley, 
many hours he spent in the task of locating himself 
as between a right and a wrong. 

Wesley, after much discussion with himself, decided 
to hold that letter of introduction a few days, thus to 
learn if possible whether or not, any stir or interest 
in his land deal had been noticed in “The Gas and Elec¬ 
tric Company,” he would prefer to turn that property 
before approaching Mr. Hunt with his letter and thus 
decided to bide his time. 

A few days after his return, Wesley accidentally 
met one of his former acquaintances, the one who had 
furnished what information he had in first locating Mr. 
Hunt. They met very cordially and soon Wesley’s land 
deal seemed to automatically dodge into their conver- 


133 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sation, through the passing of the president of “The 
Gas and Electric Company.” 

“There goes Baker, president of ‘Gas and Electric 
Company/ ” remarked Wesley’s friend. “By the way, 
Mr. Hart, how about that Hunt property deal, you 
pulled that off amazing smart, but what has bothered 
us all, is what you had to give for it and if the old man 
fixed it, so it could never go to ‘The Gas Company.’ He 
has been dead set against them for several years, vow¬ 
ing he would never again have any dealings with them, 
guess they had some trouble about the line between 
them, there seemed to be some difference in a later 
survey, regarding the width from what the original 
survey had made it, and I understand ‘The Gas Com¬ 
pany’ beat the old man in the controversy, guess it 
may prove an expensive beat for them if they ever 
attempt to acquire that land, for every hand property 
passes through adds another toll and what they ob¬ 
tained from the old man through the controversy, was 
but a few feet anyway. Suppose you don’t indicate 
what you may do with the property ?” 

“No,” replied Wesley,” don’t know myself, had 
a little money lying around and thought it certainly 
wouldn’t run away if placed there.” 

“No,” retorted the other, “one of my friends was 
inquired of the other day by a man in the gas office, 
if he knew where to locate the man who purchased that 
Hunt property. When asked by my friend why, the 
reply was, “Oh, nothing much, curiosity perhaps,” but 
that did not satisfy my friend, he said he counted less 
on what he said than in the way he said it.” 

“Has anything much, been said regarding that 
transfer?” inquired Wesley. 

“Yes,” was the reply,” a lot was said soon after 
the transaction, but now it has sorter died down as 
it was learned the purchaser had left town. Mayhap 
there were some inquiries at the hotel after you left 
as to your whereabouts, perhaps the clerk there can 
inform you.” 


134 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“Oh, I don't care anything about it, I am not offering 
the property for sale." 

“Oh, that being the case, nobody need become in¬ 
terested at all, but that Gas Company will finally get 
that property nevertheless," was the final remark, as 
the speaker departed. 

That evening, as Wesley strolled along past the 
office counter at the hotel, a man who had been looking 
over the register inquired of the clerk if he knew Mr. 
Wesley Hart, whose name appeared there. 

The clerk replied, “I do not, for he came in while 
the other clerk was on duty, but I will soon be able to 
point him out." 

“But," retorted the other, “can't you ascertain if 
he is not in his room ? I want to meet him right away." 

The bell button was pushed, no response, pushed 
again with the same result. 

“Well," impatiently remarked the other, “you get 
on to him soon as you can and I will call later, tell 
him a man will call, nine thirty, who wants to see him 
tonight." 

Wesley had lingered near and the inquirer had been 
a bit boisterous in conversation, thus Wesley had ex¬ 
perienced no difficulty in catching the tenor of his 
remarks and inquiries. Wesley had recognized the man 
inquiring for him as the man his friend had said was 
Mr. Baker, president of “The Gas and Electric Com¬ 
pany," and soon as he was well outside the door, Wesley 
hiked for his room, collected his belongings, and suit¬ 
case in hand, repaired to the office desk and asked for 
his bill, saying he was in a hurry to catch the train, 
tossed over the money quickly and started for the door, 
when the clerk who had now gotten himself together, 
called “Mr. Hart," upon Wesley turning. 

“A gentleman was here awhile ago inquiring for 
you, left word he would call again nine thirty, must 
see you to-night, what shall I tell him ?" 

“Tell him just what you see, that I am leaving, 


135 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


I am not expecting to meet anyone here and am a 
stranger in the city, thus it cannot be of sufficient im¬ 
portance for me to defer my departure, may return in 
a few days, can’t tell certain.” 

“But your address, will you object to leaving that?” 

“The Empire house, Pueblo, for a limited time, 
may go east from there, not certain yet.” 

There was no train out for Pueblo that night, but 
one left at seven in the morning. 

Wesley at once proceeded to another hotel much 
nearer the railroad station and secured a room, notify¬ 
ing the clerk that under no circumstances should he be 
disturbed, even if he did not appear until after eight 
o’clock, as he desired a good long night’s rest. Thus 
effectively heading off any further attempt on the part 
of Mr. Baker to reach him, he retired. Should they 
by accidental inquiry locate him, he was snug out of 
their reach until eight o’clock and then he will have 
been an hour out of Denver. 

Arriving at Pueblo in early evening, after his call 
at the dining room he chanced to pick up a daily evening 
paper only out about an hour ago, and glancing along 
the news columns of the first page, his eye met a head¬ 
ing that at once attracted and held his interest, until 
he had concluded the reading of the article. 

This was quite a lengthy announcement of the “im¬ 
provements planned by the Denver 'Gas and Electric 
Company,’ estimates for the construction of which are 
now being made by contractors from several cities,” 
stating also, “that the improvements are so extensive 
as to require the purchase of additional land adjoining 
their present ownership.” 

Here was a pointer indeed, for Wesley, he now 
could put two and two together which he believed would 
make for him more than four. 

Wesley’s purpose in coming to Pueblo was to avoid 
meeting Mr. Baker in Denver. He reasoned that to 
make him run after him, would truly emphasize his 


136 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


anxiety to meet Wesley, which also would naturally 
convey the impression that they must have his land, 
thus giving Wesley a tip concerning their necessity, and 
therefore excuse him for acting the natural part of 
the human, in demanding a good price for his property. 

Wesley was prepared to meet Mr. Baker now, should 
Mr. Baker elect to come to him. He purposed to re¬ 
main where he was and patiently bide his time and was 
more than glad that he had not met Mr. Hunt, believing 
that when he did, he could now cancel his debt and 
therefore assume an independent position, not in a 
boastful way, however, for he realized that it had been 
through the unexampled kindness and trust of Mr. 
Hunt, that he had attained his present advantage over 
a “soulless corporation.” 

The following day a wire was received by Wesley, 
that “Mr. Baker of Denver” was leaving on the morn¬ 
ing train for Pueblo on important business with him, 
with the injunction “to remain until his arrival.” 

Wesley received and read this pleasing telegram 
with more pleasurable satisfaction, than any news he 
recalled ever having received and he knew it was but 
a natural feeling, of the kind of satisfaction that gen¬ 
erally satisfies. 

Wesley spent the day in doing every matter of 
interest that came to his attention, until late in the 
afternoon, when he repaired to his hotel and then to 
his room, leaving instructions with the clerk that he 
was not to be disturbed. 

About six o'clock came a rap on his door. “What's 
wanted?” Wesley called out. 

“A gentleman desires to see you at once upon im¬ 
portant business.” 

“I am busy at present,” was the reply, a few mo¬ 
ments later another rap. 

“What's the matter now, I left orders at the office 
I was not to be disturbed.” 

“Beg pardon, but the gentleman desires me to hand 
in his card.” 


137 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“What's on the card ?" inquired Wesley. 

“Mr. E. W. Baker, Denver, Colorado," was the reply. 

“Well, send him up, if he must see me at once." 

A few minutes later another rap, Wesley swung 
the door and beheld a large pompous looking man, very 
like some he had before met who imagine they are 
“really it." 

“Is this Mr. Hart," inquired the gentleman. 

“I happen to carry that name, if you please, sir, 
what happens to bring you hither? I trust nothing 
of much moment, being very busy at my writing and 
had not expected to be disturbed." 

“But I wired you this morning, that I was leaving 
Denver to see you upon an important matter." 

“Ah, yes, I recall," replied Wesley, “walk in and 
I will listen." 

This little sally had really placed Mr. Baker, in a 
somewhat embarrassing position and one in which he 
generally intended to place the other fellow, thus he 
keenly felt the disadvantage that he must now labor 
under, being quite chagrined at being thus placed by 
this young and saucy scion of some dare-devil or other. 
The situation was really a mortifying one for this 
willful austere autocrat, thus for the moment, his ire 
was so greatly aroused that he hesitated, as to the 
policy to be employed in opening up the object of his 
visit, Wesley assuming in meantime a wondering ex¬ 
pectant attitude. 

Mr. Baker finally pulled himself together, remark¬ 
ing, “I believe you were recently in Denver, Mr. Hart, 
and I attempted to see you there, but as I learned at 
your hotel had just missed you." 

“Yes," casually remarked Wesley, “such things do 
happen sometimes." 

“Not often with me, however," retorted Mr. Baker, 
“people generally are anxious to meet me, my young 
friend, to accommodate themselves to my needs and 
wishes, for I am a busy man and when I wish to meet 


138 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


a man, that man knows or should know, that the case 
in hand is of some moment/' 

“Of some moment to whom, Mr. Baker," inquired 
Wesley, “to you or to whom you wish to meet?" 

“Well I'll be darned, if you are not the coolest young 
fry I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Young 
man, do you not know, that age should be greatly 
respected by youth ? Do you not know, that your atti¬ 
tude towards me is discourteous ?" 

“Mr. Baker, you have intimated that ‘important 
business' prompted your desire to meet me, surely the 
discussion of ethics cannot be the subject matter, 
which prompted you to employ so much of your valu¬ 
able time, in coming all this distance to simply meet 
a perfect stranger, I have been patiently waiting and 
with a courteous patience, for you to unfold the matter 
at present nearest to your heart, my attitude has been 
that of a willing listener, until—" 

“Well, well, Mr. Hart, let's have no more ethics, 
but to business." 

“Exactly," replied Wesley, “I am anxiously and 
curiously listening to ascertain, what possible matter 
we can have in common." 

“Nothing in common, my young sir, nothing," 
was the retort. 

“Ah, I see," replied Wesley, “the difference in 
our ages and experience really precludes the possi¬ 
bility of anything very closely in common, your riper 
judgement and more extended experience in mat¬ 
ters of dealing between men, places me not as a foe 
worthy of your fine steel and thus, I beg pardon for 
having assumed as a possibility any matter in com¬ 
mon between us." 

In exasperation, Mr. Baker blurted out, “You 
own some property in Denver that I want, now I 
suggest that our wordy war be declared off, for I 
confess to having been beaten, you, young man, are 
a match for any man’s steel, suppose you are quite 


139 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


willing to part with the property with a fair price 
involved ?" 

“No, Mr. Baker, I don't suppose I shall part with 
it at present, thinking it will very likely appreciate 
during the next few years, being young can afford 
to wait, you know." 

“How did you ever happen to secure the prop¬ 
erty? We endeavored to get it some years ago, but 
could do nothing with the old man, don't see how 
you managed him, or I did not until I met you, now 
I am not so much surprised." 

“I only practiced straight tactics, met the old 
gentleman in a straightforward frank manner and 
today, he is my very good friend and I intend to keep 
him so." 

“Well, Mr. Hart, what is your price for the prop¬ 
erty, anyway, you will sell it won’t you?" anxiously 
inquired Mr. Baker. 

“What, in your opinion, Mr. Baker, is the prop¬ 
erty worth? I may have overestimated it when pur¬ 
chasing it and thus, be obliged to hold it a time for a 
rise." 

“I suppose five thousand may be a little high, but 
will give that for it, because I can use it with 
other property to good advantage, more so, prob¬ 
ably, than any other party will ever be able to do, 
what do you say to that figure Mr. Hart, probably 
that affords you a good profit?" 

“No, Mr. Baker, I think you will not be able or 
willing to satisfy me, therefore, our time will not be 
well spent in further discussing the matter." 

“But, Mr. Hart, you have not mentioned any base 
upon which we might discuss the matter and it seems 
unfair as it stands, I have at your solicitation named 
a value, following it with an offer for the property, 
it is your next move and I am waiting, I expect you 
to receive a fair profit. It is yours by right through 
good business, you were fortunate in securing it, I 


140 


THE PROHIB—- AND THE SPOOK 


may say you are in our way and we logically, have 
to compensate you in order to remove you, so speak 
out your price and scoop in your money, use it again 
and reap another profit, that is the way money 
makes money and without great effort on the part 
of its owner.” 

“Mr. Baker,” calmly remarked Wesley, “your 
ideas of the value of that property and mine are so 
very different, I feel that it would almost amount to 
a piece of folly, should I name any price that would 
or could be satisfactory to me.” 

“But fire away all the same,” retorted the other, 
“I have before now been hit as hard I believe, as you 
will be liable to strike, so fire away young man, it 
will do no harm even should I refuse to allow it to 
harm me. Certainly you can be entirely safe, and 
of course from what you have intimated, I am pre¬ 
pared to hear you name a figure somewhat greater 
than the one I have named, and yet I have a natural 
right to expect fairness as between man and man.” 

“Right there, Mr. Baker, is the pith of the whole 
matter and just the point I have already made, you 
are a little expecting how I regard the situation, but 
now I will name a price for that land, the only price 
I will give you and I expect you will accept it, or 
leave the matter entirely and not attempt to dicker 
with me regarding it. Mr. Baker, you can own that 
property upon the payment in cash of Twelve Thou¬ 
sand Five hundred Dollars, it is now up to you.” 

For several minutes Mr. Baker opened not his 
mouth and they were minutes of intense suspense 
for both, on Wesley's part fearing he had over¬ 
reached, on Mr. Baker's part, in scheming how he 
might circumvent the other and with no scruples as 
to method, whatever its baseness, thus, it was a mat¬ 
ter of “dog eat dog,” with the devil looking on and 
eagerly waiting to send up a cheer for the victor. 

Old Mr. Hunt had so lavishly expounded the 


141 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


traits of “The Gas and Electric Company” to Wesley, 
that he, being forewarned, had taken occasion to be¬ 
come forearmed, and had resolved that a company 
practicing no tactics but “squeezing tactics,” should 
put up no squeeze upon him. 

Finally, Mr. Baker inquired, “Well, can I have 
the refusal at that figure for one week in order to 
confer with my associates?” 

Wesley replied, “Not without a deposit of two 
thousand dollars, one-half to be forfeited in case of 
no sale, the deposit to be placed in one of the banks 
here with instructions accordingly.” 

“Do you insist upon this deposit?” inquired Mr. 
Baker? 

“I do,” replied Wesley. 

“Young man, I have to say, you are the most ‘cold 
blooded’ affair in the shape of a business man I have 
ever encountered.” 

“And,” retorted Wesley, “I have to say, I think 
I have never before met your equal on those lines, 
therefore, have to consider ‘honors are even’ with 
appearances indicating as I suspected sometime ago, 
that between us there would be nothing doing.” 

“Can you hand out a clear title, young man,” 
inquired Mr. Baker, “and can you execute the papers 
here to that effect?” 

“I can hand out just what was handed out to 
me,” replied Wesley, “a clear deed otherwise than 
subject to a mortgage of fifteen hundred dollars. 
An attorney can fix up the proper papers in the 
morning if desired.” 

Mr. Baker, rising, asked for an appointment at 
ten o’clock tomorrow morning, in which to close up 
the deal as he felt now that he would do. 

“It is outrageous, young man, the cold fact is, we 
need the property to carry out our plans, otherwise 
you would not find opportunity to put over so sharp 
a game. W e are actually making you a present out¬ 
right of Five Thousand.” 


142 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“But,” retorted Wesley, “you don't have to, 
neither would you pay me more than Five Thousand 
were you not forced to obtain the property; it prac¬ 
tically was ‘a squeeze' upon one or the other, and 
conditions placed the ace in my hands, otherwise, no 
mercy or consideration would have placed, this 
crown of gold upon the head of Wesley Hart.” 

Our scrappers met on the morrow as agreed, 
sauntered into a lawyer's office and had the neces¬ 
sary papers drawn and executed, which conveyed 
Wesley's property to “The Gas and Electric Com¬ 
pany,” when up to the point of settlement Wesley 
learned that Mr. Baker had, after leaving him the 
night before, repaired to the telegraph office to com¬ 
municate with his people, for an arrangement with 
the bank to wire a Pueblo bank, the amount neces¬ 
sary to complete this deal, also instructing his attor¬ 
ney in Denver to examine the records and wire con¬ 
dition of title to the p roperty, thus, Wesley now 
learned some reason for Mr. Baker’s desire for time. 

Before the dinner hour arrived they had com¬ 
pleted the transaction and Wesley had a “banker’s 
check” in his pocket for the amount involved, less 
the Fifteen Hundred on the mortgage, and on the 
late afternoon train Mr. Baker departed for his 
home in Denver. 

When taking leave of Wesley, Mr. Baker took 
occasion to say: “My young friend, I have to con¬ 
gratulate you upon the possession of business tact, 
unusual with young men in general and possessed 
by few of maturer experience and years, you played 
that game without an error and yet I have to confess 
you played it fairly, I am regarded as an old war 
horse stalking abroad in the land, with a relentless 
purpose to secure what I want in the way I want and 
through the most rigid principles of business, with¬ 
out fear or favor. My best asset with which to ac¬ 
complish my aims, is the pose and autocratic spirit 


143 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


that I adopt in making my approach, and this you 
completely and permanently subdued at the outset, 
it has never before been done, and I firmly believed 
it could not be done, thus I have learned to hereafter 
feel out my antagonist a bit before dropping on to 
him. Let us part as friends, my boy, we can have no 
further use for the cards we have played in our at¬ 
tempt to win out, I wish you much luck in your busi¬ 
ness career and feel justified in predicting, that you 
will be well able to care well for the best interests 
of Wesley Hart. Goodby, my boy, we may meet 
again.” 

“Goodby, Mr. Baker,” retorted Wesley, “I bear 
you no malice and wish you much joy, in thanking 
you heartily for your congratulation.” 

Left alone with his musings, Wesley sat several 
hours regardless of whatever might environ him, he 
was all in a world by himself, what had he done and 
how had he done it to find himself now possessed of 
so much capital, never before had he gazed upon so 
much money in one lump sum and now, as he drew 
the check from his pocket, feasted his eyes upon its 
face, this all his very own. After deducting the full 
price demanded and paid for the property, here was 
eight thousand dollars, which added to the fifteen 
hundred he had furnished toward first payment, ac¬ 
tually forced his present capital up to the colossal 
sum of nine thousand five hundred dollars. “Well 
now,” Wesley exclaims, “that really is going some, 
fiddlesticks and oxbows, really, I wonder if Jonas 
and Basil can beat that, oh my, but did not those 
happenings happen all right? Wesley Hart has 
not a thing on fate.” 

Kind and considerate fate to me, Wesley Hart, 
Wilt thou in future, deal kindly as at the start 
And take to thy bosom, Basil and Jonas Kent, 
That they may share thy bounty, wherever they 
went. 


144 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


Wesley now having aroused himself from his 
pleasurable musings, decided to at once cancel his 
obligation to his kind friend Mr. Hunt and would 
mail him a banker's check in the morning for the 
amount, enclosing also the letter of introduction so 
kindly furnished by his Montana friend. This how¬ 
ever, might now appear a bit stale, and yet it was of 
as much import as ever, to prove that others had 
shared the same confidence as did Mr. Hunt, but why 
this confidence, Wesley was just too dense to account 
for it. 

The next morning Wesley was up and doing 
rather early and appeared at the dining room door, 
before “the goose was entirely cooked," when a 
pretty and fetching waitress accosted him with, 
“Guess you were troubled in your sleep last night, 
my early friend, which whetted your appetite to a 
keen condition, else you would not have forestalled 
the cook, and I have to tell you that you are ahead 
of the game." 

“Beg pardon, my pretty maid," was Wesley's re¬ 
tort, “the kind decrees of fate are responsible for my 
early buoyant feelings and time I noted not; has my 
untimely presence upset conventional propriety and 
incidentally thyself as well?" 

“Not at all, kind sir," replied the maid, “so far 
as thy gracious self is concerned, it was but your in¬ 
convenience that made me thus bold to assail you, 
for which I now recognize the need of gracious apol¬ 
ogy, but now, if thee will seat thyself, I soon will 
serve thee." 

“Thanks, my pretty maid," replied Wesley, “thee 
may serve me as thou wilt, encompassing the goose 
around about with whatever that is good, that thy 
bright eyes shall rest upon." With an amusing smile 
the maid sallied forth to the cook's department, leav¬ 
ing Wesley smiling expectant at what might, after 
that jolly incident be placed before him. 


145 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


That Wesley was well served need not be here 
recorded, for the pleasure the maid had enjoyed in 
that brief tilt, was certain to be compensated for and 
each meal thereafter taken at that hotel, was spiced 
with being served by the “witty bright-eyed maid” 
of the early morning encounter, as Wesley always 
looked for a plate at her table and if arriving when 
the table was fully occupied, he made it a point to 
await a vacancy, and thus, as Wesley had occasion 
later to often lunch in Pueblo, these two became fast 
friends, and who shall say that no tips were ever 
handed over to that maid, for service rendered at 
that table, this only illustrated another of the bright 
spots in a life beaming with joy and good wishes for 
others, and Wesley was one ever observant of oppor¬ 
tunity, to hand out a gracious greeting wherever and 
to whomever permissible. 

The second evening following Mr. Baker's depar¬ 
ture, Wesley chanced to take up a morning Denver 
paper and there, upon the first page, in glaring head¬ 
lines read, “Gas and Electric Company after a long and 
persistent chase, captured the retreating owner of the 
‘Hunt property,' which they have recently desired to 
do, and incidentally have captured ‘the deed to the 
property.' The owner alluded to was but a ‘strolling 
Yankee' from old New England, who in performing 
this ‘Yankee trick,' handed out pointers to certain stu¬ 
pid or willful Denverites, and it is surmised that in re¬ 
turn for these kindly pointers, that ‘strolling Yankee' 
has lugged off a goodly pile of Denver gold. The amount, 
however, is withheld, but the ‘cussing attitude of the 
purchasers,' is prime evidence that a battle was waged 
concerning the price and the Yankee won out; how 
often it occurs that a stranger, a real tramp, enters the 
fold and complacently strolls off with a ‘fat lamb of the 
flock,' while the ‘native wolves’ sit idly by and stare.” 

Wesley also noticed an announcement of a sale, “A 
good mining prospect.” He read the article through 


146 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


with some interest, considered it might be worth while 
to investigate, but concluded to defer the trip a day or 
two, meantime watch out for droppings that might 
drop, moreover, other property sales might be an¬ 
nounced shortly. 

Around this section Mr. Graham had said, “are lo¬ 
cated as good mineral deposits as have been elsewhere 
located, also this section of the state is more in keeping 
with social life.” Here, one might find a desirable neigh¬ 
borhood in which to locate and Wesley already had ac¬ 
quired an especial liking for Pueblo, it was a nice town 
with every improvement that Denver possessed and 
really, a finished city in which anyone could contented¬ 
ly abide, but the mining prospects were somewhat re¬ 
mote from the city proper, even twenty or thirty miles 
away, but that did not matter materially, as a railroad 
run to the mining district, thus, a ride of an hour or 
more or less would cover the distance from home to 
business and that, was already in vogue in many parts 
of the country. 

Wesley had now obtained some sort of inkling, that 
Pueblo might become his future home; however, he 
realized that much was yet to be done in securing “his 
baby,” and if discovered he might not be able to meet 
the requirements, should he discover a prospect some¬ 
what developed, could he manage to obtain possession 
of it with his limited capital. True, he had thought his 
pile an enormous one, but yet he realized its insignifi¬ 
cance, when coupled with what he would like to obtain, 
he preferred to secure a developed claim even though 
he incurred some obligation therefor. 

Two days later Wesley noticed in a Pueblo paper, 
announcement of another “property sale,” this time at 
auction with the property located at Rockville, a min¬ 
ing camp about twenty-five miles west of Pueblo; the 
other sale was a private one, located at Parkvale on the 
same line of railway about two miles further distant, 
both being on a branch of main line railroad. 


147 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


The same day evening, Wesley, seated in the hotel 
lobby, listened to an animated conversation concerning 
these two sales, carried on between some half a dozen 
rather rough looking fellows, supposedly miners in 
some capacity or other. The consensus of opinion 
seemed to regard the auction sale, as having the best 
sort of property, but all seemed to admit that it would 
sell for a much greater price than was asked for the 
other, two of the men had worked in the auction prop¬ 
erty several years before and their remarks concern¬ 
ing it were flattering indeed. 

The property at private sale had not been greatly 
developed, as they described it to each other it was in¬ 
deed a hole in the ground all right, and with good ore 
at the bottom, work in which had been suspended be¬ 
cause of a murderous battle, between four workmen in 
which two had been killed. This had hoodooed that 
“hole in the ground” sufficient to prevent further oper¬ 
ation, for none would enter it since the removal of the 
dead bodies. They who removed them swore to having 
heard the most unearthly calls from within the walls 
of that working, that ever had entered human ears, 
miners as a class being a superstitious lot, this was suf¬ 
ficient to condemn the property in their eyes. 

Several of the group declared they would not work 
in that ground for any old pay, while one remarked 
he wished he had “the dough” to take it over, declar¬ 
ing, “it is one of the best prospects in the neighbor¬ 
hood and there will come along some day a man “who 
is not a fool” and will in working that property prove 
everybody hereabouts “a consummate fool, for let¬ 
ting that remain there all these years, because of a 
“fool notion” born of a “pair of fools,” who took tfao 
“dead fools” out of that hole.” 

“Well,” said another, “I’m with you on that Jim, if 
somebody would open there I’d work in it, because I 
believe the operator could afford to pay higher wages, 
than’s now agoin’ hereabouts. I believe that prop- 


148 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


erty's got the stuff, why, Dod Jones said what they 
histed the last three or four days, was the richest stuff 
he ever saw, believed t'would average up a full thou¬ 
sand t' the ton and I believe had they kept at it, 
t'would have been one of the richest properties in this 
old state by this time.” 

“Well, what's to be done about it,” inquired the 
first speaker, “who's got ‘the dough' to take either of 
'em over, the old man Jackson ownin' the Rockvale 
mine wants to sell bad enough, but he is a callin' for 
some money, when considerin' it's really a drownded 
critter, been full of water for a half dozen years and 
with them ghosts and goblins, a chatterin' their ‘dog- 
goned chatter of some evil one' every day in the week 
'cept Sundays, suppose then they 'tend Sunday school, 
a kinder ‘lettin' go ter git a better hold'.” 

“Well,” remarked Jim, ‘t'other mine is another 
drownded rat, only it has been drownded a right smart 
spell longer, say, it has been fourteen year since the 
last human bein' emigrated out, o'nt, but them fellers 
did pull up a lot of real stuff a sinkin' that air shaft. 
Bob Trick worked in there along at the last and he tole 
me, they pulled up stuff that went over two thousand 
ter the ton and the vein, grew wider and richer every 
foot they went down. Now, what do you know about 
that?” inquired Jim. 

“I think,” replied the other, “that property would 
sell high if the water was out, but them dog-goned law¬ 
yers want their fees for a carryin' on them suits so 
long and I some 'spect, that whoever's got enough 
‘dough' to satisfy them fellers claim, will git a bargain 
at a bargain price; of course I 'spect it's several thou¬ 
sand they've piled on to it, but they got an order from 
the court to sell it, nobody knows who is the actual 
owner and nobody knows who to give the money to, if 
it fetches more than the claims up agin it, so there you 
are and I'm a bit curious to know how that'll come 
out.” 


149 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Well, s’posin’ nobody bids as much as the claims ?” 
inquired Jim. 

“Then,” replied the other, “the claimers will have 
to take over the property, or else they’ve got to drop a 
fraction of their claim and take what’s offered, b’gosh, 
really, I don’t ’spect they’s anybody round here, that’s 
got ‘ready dough’ enough ter git it, but I wish I had 
dough enough to git that Parkvale mine.” 

“Ain’t got no rich relation any where’s have ye?” 
inquires Jim. 

“No,” replied the other, “the last I had was buried 
by a Woodchuck, ’cause there want anybody else that 
would do it without pay and I think he hated to, but 
I couldn’t do it ’cause I had the rum-atiz and I hadn’t 
dough enough to pay for a good shave, so couldn’t af¬ 
ford to waste what I did have on poor relation, when 
there wa’n’t no prospect that they’d even try to earn 
it when they could, so you see, there’s no hope of my 
ever becomin’ proprietor of either one of them ‘holes 
in the ground’.” 

Wesley had noticed that the man behind the desk, 
had listened with some interest to the uncouth chatter, 
of these crude samples of the human family, and as 
Wesley had sat very near, this man had occasionally 
winked at him with a pleased countenance of approval, 
at much that had been remarked, thus after these good 
hearted crude specimens had retired, Wesley ap¬ 
proached the counter and casually remarked: 

“Those fellows are some up on value of certain 
prospects, hereabouts to be marketed soon, are opin¬ 
ions of such men considered reliable regarding that 
kind of property?” 

“Why yes,” was the reply, “generally speaking, 
they pretty well know about those things, for they are 
right in it all the time and whenever they come to 
town, everything they know as individuals becomes 
general knowledge; if there is any spook business any¬ 
where they scatter the affair far and near, but those 


150 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


three who had so much to say about these properties 
that are soon to be sold, are unusually bright and post¬ 
ed, the one addressed as Jack, was a personal chum of 
one of the fellows who owned the Rockvale property 
and sunk the shaft there. I have known this man Jack 
for several years and believe him straight and reliable, 
thus, I was some interested in what was said between 
them.” 

“They don't seem to have an idea that the Rock- 
vale property will bring out very high bids,” remarked 
Wesley, “if it is as good as they think, why not? Is 
there nobody in this section who cares to invest in 
such propositions?” 

“Well, there are those sometimes,” was the reply, 
“but those are abandoned prospects and that puts a 
black mark against them for some. This man Jack told 
me one day the whole story, about how the Rockvale 
mine became an abandoned prospect, it was quite in¬ 
teresting, too. I see you are registered from New 
England, looking for western investment, eh ?” 

“Why, just strolling about the country,” replied 
Wesley, “recently had some business in Denver, now 
on my way toward Kansas City.” 

“Ah, I see,” replied the other. 

“Does that man Jack, often drop in here ?” Wesley 
inquired. 

“Yes,” was the reply, “nearly every evening just 
now, I believe he is some out of sorts and kinder rest¬ 
ing up a bit, hit him up when he comes in again, he'll 
interest you all right.” 

The second evening the man Jack again appeared, 
strolled over to near where Wesley was seated, drew 
up a chair, and said to Wesley, “Good morrow, my 
friend, making quite a stay here I think, maybe I saw 
you here night before the last one.” 

“Yes,” replied Wesley, “I am here for a few days, 
quite a nice town this, never was here before.” 

“Don't belong hereabouts likely, is it?” 


151 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“No,” replied Wesley, “I hail from old New Eng¬ 
land, strolling about on a trip to note what may be 
noted hither and yon, ever trip it to old New Eng¬ 
land, my friend?” 

“No, b'gosh, never could git that far away from 
where I was dropped,” retorted Jack. “We fellers out 
this way are a contented set of cusses, don't know 
much and don't hanker after much I s'pose, what we 
do know is muchly regardin' our own occupation, some 
on us know a little about that, perhaps we cal'late we 
know more'n we do know even about that. They be 
some prospects round about that news about don't git 
outside much, some spooky property sometimes, that 
outsiders don't want to hear about and much less put 
any ‘dough' in ter, and often they, ‘the spook kind,' 
are ‘mighty good shakes', just the thing I'd put ‘dough' 
in ter if I could git it to put.” 

“But, I suppose,” replied Wesley, “they cannot ob¬ 
tain the necessary men to enter such uncanny places.” 

“Well,” replied Jack, “some don't have any cour¬ 
age to spare in that direction, but men can be got if 
the prospect is it will warrant good pay, show me 
‘dough enough' and I'll find the men all right, b'gosh, 
by the way, now I think on't, there's a ‘spook pros¬ 
pect' right now offered for sale, located on the branch 
over at Parkvale, it's got a record all right for good 
pay dirt and it's got another one for ‘spooks,' but I 
never yet heerd that a ‘spook' actually yet hurt any¬ 
body, who went right along 'bout his own business, 
howsomever, that property recently fell ter old man 
Jackson, who of course can’t work it and won't bother 
with it himself. It's advertised for sale now, and if I 
had the ‘dough' b'gosh, them ‘spooks''d have to vacate 
or they'd have a battle on hand. Too good pickin's 
lays in that air ground to warrant leavin' it for sech 
fellers as ‘spooks', b'gosh, who won't never make any¬ 
thing out on't for the good of the human family in gen¬ 
eral, or anyone else in pertic'lar.” 


152 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“Do you really know about the mineral deposit on 
that property, 'real actual knowledge/ I mean,” in¬ 
quired Wesley. 

“I know some about it, it's been nigh seven year 
since it got spooky, before that, my brother-in-law 
worked there a sinkin’ that shaft and there was three 
others workin’ with him, they’d got into the ore at 
about sixty foot, and when about six feet in ter the 
ore, which was allfired wealthy, b’gosh, why, man 
alive, it went better’n a couple o’ thousan’ ter ton, one 
o’ the fools fetched along a demijohn o’ rotten whiskey 
and the ho’l lot got some rotten drunk, they quit alto¬ 
gether a diggin’ money and declared war in a go-as- 
you-please way; and when the dove of peace flew in 
there, b’gosh, two on ’em had drunk his last 'rot’ an’ 
dug his last 'dough’; the other two soon appeared on 
the top o’ the hole, wild-eyed bloody countenance’d 
and entirely sober, b’gosh, declarin’, 'they never’d 
ag’in go into that bloody hole.’ Two others were sent 
down to pick up the scatterin’ parts o’er what was 
left, and to this day never another has went there, 
the relief party severely swore the howlin’s they 
heard was too much for human ears.” 

“Why don’t some of you fellows chip in together 
and secure this property?” asked Wesley. “If so good 
as you think, were I one of you and understood the 
game, I sure would gamble on this.” 

“Why not gamble as it is, my good friend, there 
is a pot o’ 'good dough’ there and there is another good 
pot in that one that’s to be sold at auction over 
at Rockvale.” 

“How about that?” inquired Wesley. 

“Well, b’gosh,” replied Jack, “that was abandoned 
nigh fifteen year ago, but not for the same reason 
t’other one was and no 'spooks’ live in that as I ever 
heard on, but, b’gosh, I b’lieve that’ll pan out more 
'dough’ ter the ton than t’other, that however is got 

153 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


a history that's charmin' ter listen ter. If you don't 
mind I'll tell a thing or two about it.” 

“Go on, my friend, retorted Wesley, “I will be glad 
to listen to anything that's amusing and with your 
quaint way of dubbing things together, I am certain 
to be interested, so trudge along, old man.'' 

“I can't hitch things and doin's up into artistic 
style,'' remarked Jack, “but I'll give 'em to yer 
straight, for a good friend o' mine was one o' the in¬ 
terested parties, he and another feller was one day a 
huntin' over high top mountain and my friend, Robert 
Dorn was his name, stubbed one of his big toes a'gin 
somethin' cause he didn't lift it high enough; as he 
sprawled on the ground his gun took the darndest 
notion ever, to up and go off, Bob always swore he 
never could imagine how that trigger got pulled, but 
the lead got busy with the dirt right there near his left 
leg, tore up a mess on't and most on't, he said, went in 
the direction of his mouth, which as luck would have 
it, was at the time wide open, b'gosh. 

“Bob afterward said he tasted and tasted some 
more, to find out what in thunder he was a eatin'; he 
knew well enough it was mineral, but never had any 
idea he had a mouth chuck full of gold until he rolled 
over and found that air gun had just stirred up the 
durndest mess of the shining yaller, that he ever got so 
near to in all his born days. Well, then, that set 'em 
to a thinkin' and then to lookin', that old gun had 
barked up a streak o' gold about a inch wide and they 
followed it along for several hundred foot, then ag'in 
they went a huntin', but this time for a pickax and 
shovel; the next hunt they undertook was for the rec¬ 
ords of that county, to file a claim on that durned 
stumbling block and soon after to begin a diggin' a 
hole, as they went down foot after foot the streak 
showed wider and wider some more, b'gosh, they got 
down forty foot and that air streak was over a foot 
wide, rich, well, b'gosh, it was, another forty foot 


154 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


down an’ they had a yaller streak more than two foot, 
at a hundred and fifty foot they had over four foot o’ 
stuff and richer, well, b'gosh, it certainly was, and 
they decided to go to two hundred and then drift on 
the vein, which they found about six feet wide, of the 
wealthiest stuff ever took out in all this region, any¬ 
how, it could give up better than two thousand for 
every ton histed, and not impoverish itself entirely at 
that. 

“The shaft they was a diggin' was eight foot on 
the vein and they had took out enough ore and sent it 
down the mountain on boro backs, to hand them over 
twenty thousan' dollars, right here and at two hun¬ 
dred foot. Bob contracted for a good dose of news- 
money, and in less than a week had sent in his last 
check, for he had got through a diggin' ‘dough/ 
b'gosh. Then in less than a month later his pardner 
had handed in his mental checks, decidin' that ‘a luny- 
house' was a better spot to abide in than a ‘hole in the 
ground/ until arter he had lost his breath; durned 
poor luck, b'gosh, for them ‘dough diggers' and mighty 
poor luck for that ‘hole in the ground,' too, b'gosh. 

“Well, to resume, the water seeped in before the 
heirs, if they was any, could pull themselves together 
enough to tell who's who an' how to git there, an' ‘that 
hole in the ground,' was no more a hole, but a fine rep¬ 
resentation of prohibition, really the most effective 
of any I ever heerd on, for the enterin' of that air 
hole was prohibited by the best ally the prohibs ever 
found to assist 'em, in a beatin' all creation out of its 
liquor.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared Wesley, “go on old man, 
there's more material waiting to be heard from, I'll 
wager.” 

“Well, I guess,” retorted the other, “the sequel al¬ 
ways has to come later. There the water was, a holdin’ 
guard on that ‘yallar dough' below. Bob's pardner 
didn't stan' it long after his wits had left for other 

155 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


climes, so here was two estates to settle somehow, 
about ‘that filled up hole in the ground/ Bob then had 
a father about ready to pass over his checks, and no 
other kin that anybody knew anything about, Bob's 
pardner had only an aged aunt. 

“Well, the durned lawyers hiked into the affair an' 
invited in every other lawyer they were acquainted 
with, ter tail in an' help 'em to gobble up the property 
and then, like a band of bank robbers, divvy up the 
swag after the lawsuit had outlived the aged heirs, 
thus, that state of affairs continued on, an’ then some 
more, until both the owners gave up the Ghost in very 
disgust, an' I think must have prayed the Good Lord, 
to deliver 'em out of the hands an' possession of that 
set of shyster demagogues, an' this condition was 
sanctioned by our honorable courts. Fourteen years 
have passed since these useless limbs of the law, had 
opened their clutches to gobble up this hole and now, 
they have got hungry for their ‘dough'. 

“The tax collector said there was somethin' cornin' 
to him and all-around, good an' interested participants 
got their noses ter facin' each other an figured out, 
that they wanted their dough and had waited long 
enough fer it, so next we know about it, that ‘probi- 
tion hole' is a goin' ter be put on the block, to see what 
all creation will decide to do, about the settlin' of them 
legality claims." 

“How much do you think the sum total of those 
claims will amount to?" inquired Wesley. 

“The tax man says his claim is about one hun¬ 
dred and sixty dollars, Job Strecker, who is in one 
of them shyster offices, says the legal fees all told 
will be around seven thousan' dollars, with interest 
compounded each year added, so I figger that to 
make 'em all good the bid will have to reach nine 
thousan’, a snug sum o' dough surely, but, b'gosh, 
it’s wuth it and then some, if I had the dough, it 
wouldn't take me long ter git in my bid for a square 
ten thousan'." 


156 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“But,” retorted Wesley, “supposing the bidding 
does not go over eight thousand or even seven, what 
will they do?” 

“I dunno,” replied the other, “but if the bids 
don't reach their figger it might scare 'em a bit, so 
they might take somethin' off, contract a compro¬ 
mise, you know, suppose the tax man’ll have to have 
his'n full anyway, the law won’t let him compromise, 
but his'n ain't much anyway, why not you, my young 
friend, see somethin' good in that, I don’t want to 
be too brazen like, but I’d like darned well to take 
hold an’ be held accountable ter makin' good out 
o' that ‘prohibition hole',” 

“Well, I don't know about so great a gamble as 
that, think it needs an older head than mine to tackle 
an affair requiring so great an outlay, the purchase 
price is but a beginning you know, but my friend, 
you have greatly excited my curiosity and I would 
very much like to look that ground over, how near 
can one get to the property by railroad train?” 

“Oh, right close to it at the base of the mountain, 
so near a spur track could be laid right up to the 
crusher, I would be pleased to pilot you out there, 
chargin' you nothin' for the service.” 

“Now see here, you are a stranger to me, what I 
want to know is, can I seal your everlasting leaky 
mouth, can I be assured that should I go out there 
with you, that nobody shall hear of it from you, can 
I take you into my confidence if I decide to act in 
any way, concerning either of the property sales, that 
are soon to be affected here?” 

“B'gosh, that's goin' some, the first time in all 
my long journey on this wicked planet, that anybody 
has asked ‘old Jack Loon' if he can be trusted to hold 
his gobble, b'gosh, guess I better begin to write off 
my last checks, for my usefulness must be a gettin' 
stale, poor old Jack. Never s'posed t'was a cornin' 


157 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


to this, but my young friend my only intelligent re¬ 
ply can be, 'just try me and see’.” 

The next morning Wesley and Jack took the 
train for Rockvale, to inspect the "prohibition 
hole,” and environments. Jack had with him a pick¬ 
ax, having the notion that somethin' good might "be 
tumbled out of that dump,” as he expressed it, add¬ 
ing, "them fellers that dug this hole I never thought 
was a savin' crowd anyway, and I don't b'lieve they 
practiced any unnatural traits when they histed that 
stuff out.'' 

In about an hour and a quarter they found them¬ 
selves upon the property, but to inspect the digging 
had quite a hard climb of about three hundred feet 
rise, which they reached in due time, when Jack im¬ 
mediately tackled that dump pile, soon revealing 
that which even astonished him, notwithstanding his 
expectations had been considerable, finally, stopping 
short off, he turned to Wesley with a confident smile, 
at same time ejaculating: "By the holy Moses, the 
dough has never more’n half been taken outer that 
dirt, them fellers had orter died, b'gosh, an' they'd 
orter a died a durned sight quicker, an it's a durned 
mighty good thing they decided to do it when they 
did, that was wasteful an’ silly, go down in that 'ere 
hole an' dig an’ delve a diggin’ that hole out an' 
then, let all that 'good dough’ waste its fragrance 
in that ’ere dump pile, b’gosh that’s the worst ever.'' 

"Well, well,” cried Wesley, "what’s in it, what 
are you raving about, anyway?” 

"See here, boss,” came the quick retort, "if 
there’s a thing in that 'ere pile, there’s two hundred 
dollars o' dough in every ton, now, if I am a gettin' old 
an' stale, I know what I am talkin’ about now.” 

"How many tons of dirt are there in that pile?” 
inquired Wesley. Now don’t let’s see any swelled 
head about this, let’s know the facts concerning 
everything we talk about today.” 


158 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“Well, I’ll be bunged up an’ snatched,” replied 
Jack, “if there ain’t more’n two hundred ton o’ nat¬ 
ural ore dirt in that ’ere pile, b’gosh.” 

“Then do you mean that it contains around forty 
thousand dollars worth of mineral?” 

“That’s my religious cal’lation, if it’s all took out, 
but pro’bly they’ll never git it quite all, safe enough 
to call it thirty five thousan’ b’gosh, an’ I won’t drop 
another cent.” 

Two hours was spent on this property by our in¬ 
spectors, when Wesley suggested they go down and 
take a look at the Jackson. 

“No train around this time, b’gosh,” remarked 
the old man, “as for me, I could easily enough hoof 
it down the track, but you could’nt think on’t.” 

“Stop it, old man,” cried Wesley, “you may not 
know just what you are up against, I am younger 
than you and supposed to have more ginger.” 

“Yes,” retorted Jack, “but young ginger is too 
fresh to mix in with old ginger without workin’ harm 
to both, it would completely tire out your kind an’ 
would weaken mine to drag you along, or worse yet, 
wait for you to ketch up.” 

“As you remarked last night,” said Wesley, “try 
me and see,” and off they went down the track, with 
Wesley never behind and Jack a blowing at his 
windpipe. 

“The Jackson” was scrutinized the best possible, 
only a small dump was here present showing min¬ 
eral, as only about three days working in ore had 
been put in, thus the dump could be but a small one 
containing mineral, but this, Jack attacked with his 
pick and found quite some of mineral content, and 
the workers had said it was very rich as it lay in the 
ground, now if only the water was absent in that 
shaft, but it was not so, here was another gamble all 
right. 

It was now nearing the time for the afternoon 


159 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


train to leave, only two trains a day each way over 
this branch, and this was the end of the line, so they 
must go at once to insure against being left for over¬ 
night. 

Mr. Jackson, who had come into possession of 
this property, lived in Colorado Springs, so it was 
decided to trip it up there the following day for in¬ 
terview, Wesley had now told Jack that he might 
consider one of these properties and as the auction 
of the Rockvale property was not to take place un¬ 
til the following week, it was desirable to know 
“who's who and what can be done about it,” con¬ 
cerning the Parkvale property before the other was 
sold. 

“Yes,” Jack replied, “and I know an old feller 
up there livin' now, that worked in the ‘Prohibition' 
quite a time with them fellers and we can add to our 
pointers on that by a seein' him.” 

The trip was made to the Springs, Mr. Jackson 
looked up and found to be a very nice and affable 
old gentlemen. He said at the outset, he knew 
nothing of mining and little concerning the mine, or 
prospect he had advertised for sale, it came to him 
he said through a nephew that he had known little 
of, adding, there is some superstition among miners 
regarding it, because of the tragedy happening 
there several years ago. 

“What do you call it worth?” aside to Mr. Jack- 
son, inquired Wesley. 

“Why, I don't really know,” was the reply, “but 
I had in mind five thousand dollars; suppose it is a 
gamble more or less at any old price, but I will con¬ 
sider any offer that you care to make, that is within 
reason.” 

“I have not made up my mind concerning it,” 
retorted Wesley, “but might, after further consider¬ 
ing the matter, make you a definite proposition, 
which I will do in a few days, if you do not dispose 


160 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


of it before I can arrive at a conclusion. I desire to 
see one or two parties, who I understand had been 
employed about there some. ,> 

'‘Very well, Mr. Hart,” replied the other, “sup¬ 
posing I give you the refusal of it for two weeks, that 
is, agree to wait that long before offering it to an¬ 
other.” 

“Yes,” replied Wesley, “I would appreciate that 
very much, and will see you again in the meantime.” 

They then hunted up Jack’s information man, 
whose story was very flattering concerning both the 
properties involved in Wesley’s investigation, thus, 
Wesley was enjoying some amusing thoughts almost 
perhaps of a dreaming nature, certainly upon the 
face of things visible, he may have located “his 
baby.” 

The auction day arrived, the sale was to take 
place on the property, all went out upon the same 
train, except a few stragglers who lived in the neigh¬ 
borhood, and Wesley noticed there were few indeed, 
not more than a dozen alighted from the train. 

The auctioneer started the bids at five thousand. 
Nobody for several minutes raised it, when the auc¬ 
tioneer briskly remarked, “You know, gentleman, 
under the law I can’t sell without two bids,” when 
one sarcastically blurted out, “Have you got one law¬ 
ful bid a’ready and ef yer ain’t, what right have yer 
got ter be talkin’ about two?” 

Wesley was glad to have this suggestion made, 
but did not think it good policy to make it himself. 

The auctioneer replied by asking the question, 
“If I have not a first bid will you start it at that?” 

“No,” was the reply, “and there hain’t a man 
here that will, for if that ain’t a legal bid the second 
one won’t be a legal one, thus it is necessary to know 
who’s who and what’s a doin’.” 

“Well,” retorted the auctioneer, I have orders to 
start it at five thousand and the party stands ready 


6 


161 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


to take it over at that, if we can't get another bid 
there will be no sale. The terms of the sale are cash, 
gentlemen, who will raise the present bid?" 

The bystander who had before interrupted, re¬ 
marked that, “the cash terms will certainly put the 
sale out of business, there ain't that much dough in 
the whole crowd an' t'would cost more'n that to git 
that prohibition stuff out o' that hole, a man couldn't 
pay over all he had to git the property and have 
nothin' left to git it liquored up with." 

The crowd laughed at the sally, but no one spoke 
a bid. 

Jack and Wesley stood together at the outer line 
of the circle, exchanging remarks in a low tone, soon 
the auctioneer noticed them and pointedly called 
out:—“There's a gentleman over there that is prob¬ 
ably here from sheer curiosity, for he certainly is no 
miner, I wager he dare not make a bid." 

All eyes were now turned that way, and seeing 
Jack so close to Wesley, many who knew him at once 
thought something might yet be doing from that 
quarter. 

The auctioneer lingered for quite a while, hop¬ 
ing to get a second bid or a real outside bid. 

Finally, Wesley spoke in a pleasant sort of way, 
“I'll raise the present figure five hundred for the 
sake of holding the sale, I am not a mining man, 
however." 

The auctioneer at once took it up, and now there 
will have to be a sale, but it was slow and tedious 
work to worm another bid out of the crowd, finally, 
a well-dressed man raised it again five hundred, but 
Wesley felt certain that the bid was made in the in¬ 
terest of the selling parties, although Jack said the 
bidder was not one of the lawyers, or any of the 
clerks in any of their offices and he did not think he 
was a Pueblo man at all. 

The auctioneer kept looking expectantly at 


162 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


Wesley, but not a muscle of his mouth moved and 
no other bid was made, the property was struck off 
to the last bidder, so it stood at six thousand and the 
crowd departed for the train, which had been a 
special from the junction. 

While waiting at the junction for the eastern ex¬ 
press, the successful bidder engaged Wesley in con¬ 
versation, resulting in an appointment to meet at the 
office of Messrs. Simpson, the attorneys who had sold 
the property. 

The following day Wesley kept the appointment 
made at the office of Simpson Brothers, when upon 
entering, the man with whom he had made the ap¬ 
pointment advanced, took his hand and smilingly 
turned to a large nice looking gentleman with, “Mr. 
Simpson, meet and greet Mr. Wesley Hart, the gen¬ 
tleman who made the bid on the Rockvale prop¬ 
erty yesterday.” 

“Happy to meet you, Mr. Hart, walk in and take 
a seat with us, sorry you did not get that property 
yesterday, for we all believe it a great catch. 

“Well, it may be truly so,” said Wesley, “I have 
never said or thought that it was not, but 'great 
catches' usually excite some interest among those in 
the vicinity of their location, which this did not seem 
to do, so it did seem surprising that not one who 
had means of knowing something regarding its im¬ 
portance and value, should attempt to make a bid un¬ 
less it be that it started off too rank. To an outsider 
it seemed, that the auctioneer’s bid was more than a 
proper value for the property.” 

“No,” replied the other, “I don’t think that was 
the trouble, it was the terms more than the price I 
believe, those fellows that were present never pay 
cash for anything, but it is not their habit, moreover, 
they rarely have that much cash in hand at one time, 
if they get money they’ll do something with it, they 
don’t keep it for a scoop when it comes along, but the 


163 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


circumstances are such in this case, that the matter 
has to be closed up, being an old sore of long 
standing.” 

“Well, it is of course, immaterial with me,” replied 
Wesley, “there being no bid to hold the sale, I simply 
thought that if clinched it would have to go on, some¬ 
body would bid. I am simply a stroller looking the 
country over, happened along here and noting the 
auction sale advertisement, for want of anything bet¬ 
ter to do at the time, accompanied a man I had made a 
hotel acquaintance of out to the sale.” 

“But,” retorted Mr. Simpson, “have you no desire 
whatever for the property, supposing it had been 
struck off at your bid, would you have completed the 
transaction according to the terms prescribed?” 

“I certainly should, Mr. Simpson, Pm never ‘a 
quitter,’ if you please, but naturally, I can have no spe¬ 
cial desire for that type of property.” 

“But if you are no quitter, you did begin on this 
by making a bid, which you say you would have hon¬ 
ored had it been struck off to you, now, then, why quit 
where you are?” 

“But,” retorted Wesley, “I do not understand what 
may be in your mind to make that remark, the matter 
has apparently been closed. The gentleman said you 
would like to see me, so I have appeared and am wait¬ 
ing to have you open up, the conversation thus far has 
indicated no special purpose in inviting me hither.” 

“You seem to be frank and businesslike, Mr. Hart, 
and I have to tell you in an equally frank manner, that 
which I now believe you already know, that the sale 
was simply a legal bidding off of the property by the 
parties selling it, under the order of the court. We 
had hoped the bids would sum up to the amount of the 
claims against it, but that not being the case, we were 
forced to take it and now, do you care to consider the 
purchase of it at eight thousand dollars as a cash 
trade?” 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


“I do not,” replied Wesley, “did I, it could have 
been secured at the auction, and right you are that I 
believed it was being bid in.” 

“Well,” replied Mr. Simpson, “will you make a 
proposal? We will entertain any reasonable propo¬ 
sition you may make.” 

“Oh no,” Wesley replied, “I have no offer to make, 
when I can’t see my way clear to meet a man on his 
price, I just turn the other way and think no more 
about it, every owner has a perfect right to name his 
price, and as well, every would-be purchaser has the 
right to refuse its consideration even.” 

“Why will you not name a figure suitable to your¬ 
self, Mr. Hart, it could work you no harm even were 
it refused.” 

“Perhaps not as much harm as if it were accept¬ 
ed,” retorted Wesley, “and especially in this case, that 
property is possible to prove an elephant upon the 
hands of whoever gets it and I may be, too young and 
inexperienced to adopt an elephant,” while in rising, 
Wesley suggested it was time to go. 

“Will you give seven thousand, Mr. Hart?” 

“I think not, Mr. Simpson, but I will give you what 
you bid it off for. I consider you set the price when 
you made the bid, you could not have known there 
would be another one, and thus you settled it.” 

‘Can’t accept that,” replied Mr. Simpson, “but if 
you will make it five hundred better, we will make out 
the deed.” 

“Good morning, Mr. Simpson, we can remain 
friends all the same,” proceeding through the door. 

When outside, his friend, the bidder at the auction, 
had followed him out. 

“One moment, Mr. Hart, should Mr. Simpson ac¬ 
cept your offer, will it be convenient to at once settle 
in cash payment?” 

“Yes,” replied Wesley, “as soon as the deed is pre¬ 
pared, but I must have a certified abstract of title.” 


165 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Come back a moment, it can be all arranged by 
four o’clock this afternoon, I think.” 

Wesley again entered the office, met Mr. Simpson 
with a broad smile. I see Mr. Simpson, one in these 
parts don’t often meet an ‘easy going Yankee,’ and 
when one is met, the people here like to imitate the 
leech and not only stick to him persistently, but never 
let go until his ready cash passes across.” 

With a ha, ha, ha, Mr. Simpson retorted, “Young 
man, there will be no leech ever long stick to ‘this 
Yankee’ and he will certainly let go, I wager if he 
don’t, ‘the Yankee will get his dough,’ I accept your 
offer, Mr. Hart, and the deed will be ready with the 
abstracts at four o’clock.” 

Wesley met Jack outside and together they strolled 
about the city after taking lunch. Jack could not re¬ 
frain from often speaking of Wesley’s deal, he did not 
know at what price the controversy ended with, but 
believed it was not above seven thousand, of a sudden 
he spoke out while they were at lunch: “Mr. Hart, by 
all the eternal that’s good, bad and indifferent, you 
have got the best cinch in ‘Prohibition,’ that any Pro- 
hib ever got on the durndest liquor dealer that ever sold 
liquor, b’gosh, you have took on the best gamble that 
ever was gambled, and put it down in your little book, 
that old ‘Jack Loon’ says ‘your pile o’ dough’ is as¬ 
sured and also b’lieves it’ll be the fust ‘good dough’, 
anybody ever made out o’ ‘prohibition’, guess it’s a 
goin’ to turn the tables o’ morality t’other side up, for 
it’s been the liquor end that’s made the ‘dough’ thus 
far since Adam’s time. I’m mighty glad that it’s ‘a 
young Yankee’ that’s got in on that, to show some o’ 
these sore heads in Colorado, who’s who an’ that the 
bright ones ain’t all in this state and vicinity, b’gosh, 
I am that.” 

At four o’clock Wesley dropped round to “the 
Simpson office” for his deed, and of course Jack was 
along. It did not take many minutes to look over the 


166 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


deed and abstracts, and pass over the “banker’s check” 
he had procured for the proper amount, by exchang¬ 
ing therefor the Denver check obtained from Mr. 
Baker; this transaction now left Wesley a check on 
the Pueblo bank of thirty-five hundred, which was his 
present working capital, all other being permanently 
tied up. 

Jack was in high spirit, Wesley had intimated to 
him that he was to be connected in some authoritative 
capacity and Jack’s faith in “Prohibition” was so 
strong, he intended to use his uttermost endeavor to 
not only have it make good, but to have it “beat all 
creation as a gold and silver mine,” as he believed it 
could do, and wanted to be at it the very next day, but 
that was not to be. 

The property had been secured, but yet the propo¬ 
sition had to be financed, from what he had observed 
when a guest of Mr. Graham, Wesley believed from 
fifteen to twenty thousand dollars would be necessary 
to safely start with, but Wesley had another fish to fry 
before attempting to finance “the Prohibition”, he was 
to again meet Mr. Jackson, and now that the other 
deal had been complete and the morning papers would 
herald it abroad, he planned to take the early morning 
train for Colorado Springs, to acquire ownership if 
possible of the Jackson property. 

Wesley had already planned out a satisfactory 
way, to himself at least, to finance the proposition 
when he should have acquired both properties, but not 
a word had he said to another concerning his 
intentions. 

A little before noon Wesley arrived at Mr. Jack¬ 
son’s home. The old man was glad to see him, re¬ 
marking, “Ah, you are an early bird I see, wasn’t ex¬ 
pecting you at present, but it is the early bird that 
gets the best worm, and that’s the bird that one should 
believe in, my boy. Well, how goes the battle, it’s 
been raging since you were here I suppose, and know- 


167 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


est thou at this hour, who's who and what you are 
going to do about it? I wager a big apple that some¬ 
thing is on your mind and methinks I see it in your 
eye.” 

“Yes,” retorted Wesley, “one's mind never should 
lie dormant and the eye fail to talk, else for what good 
purpose is this God created form of human intelli¬ 
gence, and why, was it placed upon the earthly planet 
of a God in heaven, should not every human life be 
governed by the sentiment of a fitting proverb, thusly, 
“Let no low descending sun, look not upon some worthy 
action done.” 

“Well, Mr. Jackson,” continued Wesley, “mayhap 
we can arrive at some satisfactory plan, regarding the 
prospect over at Parkvale. I have given the matter 
much thought and”—from the kitchen came the sum¬ 
mons, “Dinner is served.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried the old man, “we'll be there most 
surely, come Mr. Hart, we can't properly transact 
straight business, when the inner basket is calling 
for tribute thereto, so let's get busy with the present 
matter in hand.” 

The dinner hour was a long one, these good people 
were greatly interested in all that Wesley could tell 
them, of eastern conditions and ways of the people, 
moreover, the part of his chatter concerning himself 
and associates in connection with their Alliance, 
seemed to emphasize their almost spellbound inter¬ 
est. The old man was greatly amused at this unusual, 
and as he termed it, “a seemingly impossible plan” 
to carry through to a successful and satisfactory 
finish. 

Mrs. Jackson, however, declared she could see 
nothing impossible or impractical, if human beings 
would be human as they were intended to be, declar¬ 
ing further, that with just one word blotted off the 
human vocabulary, nothing would be easier than such 
an alliance as these three delightfully admirable scions, 


168 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


are engaged in bringing to a complete and successful 
issue, it really does my old soul good to learn that 
there are those now living, willing and capable of at¬ 
tempting to bring about a condition planned out and 
undoubtedly longed for, by the creator all through the 
ages. We are told in the “good book” that the true mil¬ 
lennium cannot and will not dawn, until such human 
spirit as these lads exhibit shall have become inherent, 
in the inhabitants of this God created paradise. The 
one word “selfishness” is more guilty than all others 
of frustrating the kind plans of Almighty God, in be¬ 
half of the children of Adam. 

“Well, mother, you have really spread yourself in 
delivering, one of the best indictments of the human 
family I ever listened to.” 

“Bravo for Mrs. Jackson,” cried Wesley, “and a 
righteous hurrah for Mr. Jackson, in truly appreciat¬ 
ing her impromptu effort; it is grand, grand, I shall 
always carry it with me and herald it forth.” 

After a good hearty laugh, Wesley and Mr. Jack- 
son repaired to the living room and resumed their 
business conversation. Wesley unfolded his plans for 
financing his recent acquirement, affording him the 
benefit of the many favorable reports and opinions 
regarding the “Prohibition” as a mining prospect, to 
all of which the old man listened with increasing in¬ 
terest, presently ejaculating: 

“You seem to have a plenty in nerve and enter¬ 
prise, my young friend, and I have noted in the ideas 
expressed by you, that you are a person of unlimited 
resourceful abilities and sufficient, to warrant the suc¬ 
cess of anything you may undertake, thus, while such 
are some of your traits, I should consider you a safe 
person to tie up to, but seemingly the sad part of it for 
me is, that you have already secured ‘the baby’ you 
have been searching for, thus, no substantial comfort 
arising through your abilities can likely come my 
way, however, I cannot do less than to hope for your 

169 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


success and joy, after the pleasure you have afforded 
us, in reciting your plans and affiliations." 

“But, Mr. Jackson, do not exhibit so much aban¬ 
don, surely if you will, you must become part and par¬ 
cel of what, has so greatly interested yourself and 
yours. I would like to add the Parkvale property to 
‘the Prohibition', believing they two together, will 
make a mark in the mining world and in our bank ac¬ 
count as well. I recalled that you named five thousand 
for your property. If I can procure it I will incorpo¬ 
rate a company, embracing both the properties and 
operate them together as one, I believe the Jackson 
will prove out a good proposition. We shall have with 
us, the son of one of the most successful mining men 
in the northwest, and with him as an adjunct, his ex¬ 
perienced and able sire in the capacity of counsel when 
needed. Now I am going to make you a proposition, 
Mr. Jackson. I have not five thousand to pay you in 
cash, but I will pay you two thousand cash and give 
you five thousand in stock of the corporation, when 
that stock is ready for issue, with the understanding, 
however, that you become a member of the directors' 
board, with four other good men and true." 

“Well, well, my boy, you have indeed figured 
that out well, how long have such things been run¬ 
ning through that fertile brain and what assurances 
had you, that warranted the nerve to put such a 
proposition up to Cyrus Jackson, the last one on 
earth, I think, that any of my friends would indulge 
in as a candidate for any like position, as Cyrus 
Jackson never has performed any such trick and 
shall he now, through assuming his inefficient do¬ 
tage? Ah, my boy, what shall I say, let's call 
mother in to our counsel." 

Mother came in with a smiling countenance, di¬ 
recting her glance inquiringly toward her husband, 
who with a broad grin, remarked: “Mother, what in 
the world do you suppose you are going to be called 


170 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


upon to determine? Ha, ha, ha, it is really too amus¬ 
ing for two such bygones as you and I.” 

“Well, Cyrus Jackson, don’t make a fool of your¬ 
self and me too, right here before our new-found 
friend and guest.” 

Wesley wearing a broad smile, exclaimed: “I 
will, to relieve your embarrassment, repeat in your 
presence the proposition I have just made to Mr. 
Jackson.” 

“Yes, yes, that’s it, you can do it a mighty sight 
better than I can, so hustle it forth, I tell you moth¬ 
er,” cried the old man, “it’s great, a trying to make 
me, Cyrus Jackson, commence to do new stunts in 
my old age.” 

After Wesley had completed his recital, no word 
was spoken for several minutes, but it was evident 
that Mrs. Jackson was endeavoring to pull all ends 
together and note carefully the effect, before voic¬ 
ing her opinion. Finally she addressed her husband 
with, “What, Cyrus Jackson, did you call me into 
this for, have you lost or abandoned all the natural 
good sense you were once happily and abundantly 
endowed with? What is involved here that is so 
complicated and mysterious, that causes you to hesi¬ 
tate and call in your neighbors to assist in setting 
you to rights? You are not asked to become clown 
of some circus, or the star of some vaudeville. A 
proposition, simply a proposition, to join a few good 
men and true, to develop in a safe business way a 
property now of your own, which you are unable 
and unfitted to yourself develop and which you be¬ 
lieve, will under the persistent and able management 
of this exceptional young man, prove out a success. A 
word to the wise should be sufficient, therefore you 
will now excuse me.” 

Wesley’s proposition was quickly accepted, the 
papers conveying to Wesley the Parkvale property, 
to be promptly executed and mailed to him the fol- 


171 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


lowing day. Wesley in return mailing the check 
therefor, with a tentative but sufficient agreement 
to deliver the stock involved in due time. 

Wesley, now that he has possesion of both prop¬ 
erties entirely unencumbered, proceeds with the in¬ 
corporation matter, and while the attorney is pre¬ 
paring the papers, writes a long letter to Mr. Gra¬ 
ham in Montana, describing in detail each and every 
phase of the situation, suggesting that there is 
plenty of room for his son Selkirk, and will be 
greatly pleased to have him own a tenth interest, 
become a director and have charge of the mines. 

In due time a lengthy reply is received, which is 
to the effect that both the father and son are 
greatly pleased with the whole proposition, the 
elder having recalled the happenings at both these 
properties several years ago, also the reputation that 
went forth resulting from the shaft sinking opera¬ 
tions, the letter congratulated Wesley in having se¬ 
cured two such good prospects, closing with, “When 
you need the money send along the word.” 

Mr. Hunt was the next object to claim Wesley’s 
attention. After he had received the check and let¬ 
ter of recommend from Wesley, Mr. Hunt wrote 
Wesley a long letter in which he heartily expressed 
his gratification, at the high regard in which his 
brother-in-law held Wesley, adding that, should 
Wesley at any time need any assistance that he could 
supply, he had but to inform him of the fact. 

Now that matters were so shaped that he could 
ask assistance where he could return benefits, he 
found it easy to make his proposition to his old 
friend, Mr. Hunt, thus, in accordance, he now wrote 
out his proposition for Mr. Hunt to become a direc¬ 
tor in his company, with four others “good and true,” 
and could he, to equip himself for that position, sub¬ 
scribe for four thousand dollars of the stock, which 
he felt that he could guarantee would return not less 


172 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


than ten percent, giving Mr. Hunt an outline of what 
he had accomplished in the preparation of this new 
enterprise, adding, that Mr. Graham’s son was to be¬ 
come one of them. 

The reply that quickly followed, gave willing 
assent to the proposal, adding, that any man who 
could handle that man Baker, as he had understood 
he had been handled by Wesley Hart, was a safe and 
fitting man to tie up with and take counsel therefrom, 
wishing Wesley all the success possible and advising 
him to “call for the money when needed,” closed 
with a hearty invitation to come to Denver and 
spend the Sunday and as much more as possible with 
them, while Mrs. Hunt enclosed her kindest regards 
and hope for his success. 

Thus, an object lesson here appears to the effect, 
that a perfect stranger can with proper conduct, ac¬ 
quire sincere friends while among entire strangers 
and such a friendship as will endure, even to the ex¬ 
tent of loosening the pursestrings, where it must be 
done absolutely through the agency of confidence. 
It may be said, to gain this position an unlimited 
amount of nerve must be required, which matters 
not when none but honest nerve is employed. Wesley 
Hart knew none other, even Mr. Baker, who ac¬ 
knowledged defeat, confessed that Wesley had 
played him fair and Lawyer Simpson had admitted 
the same. 

Wesley now had definitely located his “baby,” 
all transactions relative to the property acquirement 
were complete. The papers for the incorporation 
and organization were also complete, except the elec¬ 
tion of officers. The subscribers to the necessary 
stock had met. The directors had been elected and 
would soon meet to elect officers; all the subscrib¬ 
ers, however, had not to meet, as Wesley had sub¬ 
scribed for a large majority of the stock. 

The directors chosen were Wesley Hart, Jabez 


173 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Hunt, Cyrus Jackson, Selkirk Graham and Isaac 
Yates, the latter the hotel man where Wesley was 
stopping in Pueblo, and who had been interested in 
the conversation, that first put Wesley on the trail 
of his new property acquirement. 

The subscribers had signed for shares as follows: 
Isaac Yates, three hundred shares; Cyrus Jackson, 
two hundred shares; Jabez Hunt, five hundred 
shares; Selkirk Graham ten hundred shares; 
Wesley Hart, eight thousand shares. Whole 
number of shares ten thousand at ten dollars each. 
For turning over the two properties to the corpora¬ 
tion, Wesley had taken eighty percent of the whole, 
transferring five hundred shares to Mr. Jackson, 
both to secure him as a director and to complete, the 
purchase price for his property as by agreement. 

The company had been incorporated as “The 
Yankee Mining Company,” which caused some witty 
remarks as it gradually became known, through 
what circumstances and methods Wesley had ac¬ 
quired the properties, that formed the base of the 
enterprise. It had leaked out one way and another, 
how Wesley had met and conquered the “Denver 
Gas and Electric Company” president, which had 
resulted in placing him in position to negotiate for 
and take over these two mines. Altogether, Wesley 
had created a furore of excitement and wonder in all 
the section aroundabout. 

“A veritable Yankee,” indeed, was a frequent 
comment. Some jeered the thought of making a suc¬ 
cess from those two old abandoned “holes in the 
ground,” some said, he was “a young thing what 
orter not have left his mammy,” others, that prob¬ 
ably “his mammy don’t know he is out,” again it was 
said, “the fools are not all dead yet.” “No, and never 
will be,” remarked a wise guy, “for there is one born 
often enough to keep the breed agoing.” 

Jack Loon had already been in two fights, when 


174 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


hearing this rotten stuff as he called it, and was 
watching out for more opportunities to defend the 
reputation of what he termed to be, “the only ‘real 
man’ that ever got real enough” to tackle the only 
good thing, that ever belonged to that rotten neigh¬ 
borhood, that never yet raised anything but a dog- 
goned coward, an' them is too plenty to make it re¬ 
spectable for a real man to live here, b’gosh.” 

Wesley and Jack together went out in search of 
what Jack believed to be, the best mining engineer 
in the district. After meeting this man it was ar¬ 
ranged that all should visit the mine the following 
day, to lay out plans for the beginning of operations. 
First, the shafts being filled with water, must be 
emptied before they could be worked, then, as 
Wesley viewed it, “the Prohibition” being located 
upon a very high peak; it was a very expensive prop¬ 
osition as a hoisting affair, as he had made up his 
mind when reviewing the lay-out the first time, that 
a gravity proposition should be made of it, that is, 
a tunnel from the side of the elevation should be 
constructed, to intersect the bottom of that shaft and 
so take the dirt out by gravity. 

Before arriving at the mill, Wesley discovered 
that the engineer was very enthusiastic, regarding 
the opening up of these long abandoned properties. 
“The Jackson,” he said, “is sure to make good, 
spooks to the contrary notwithstanding, no trouble 
to get men to go into it when it is placed in proper 
condition to receive them,” He first advised taking 
the water from that, as the dirt hoisted from that 
shaft will pay the full expense of itself and the cut¬ 
ting of the tunnel in the other one, until that can be 
utilized to take the dirt from that rich vein and he 
thought it would require six to eight months to drive 
that tunnel, then the water there would leave auto¬ 
matically with no expense for that, incidentally re¬ 
marking, those two mines will prove the equal of 


175 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


anything that has ever been opened up in this old 
country. I knew the engineer that laid out the 
‘Prohib’ and he was down that shaft only a short 
time before they quit and said, there is an immense 
body of extremely rich dirt in near vicinity of that 
shaft, the vein rock, he said, is a good six feet wide 
and will shell out better than five hundred to the ton. 

“Yes,” broke in Jack, “an’ that's a goin’ some 
b’gosh, but the men a ’working there swear by the 
Lord Harry, that it will measure out more ‘dough’ 
than that ’ere story hits it.” 

“Well, well,” exclaimed Wesley, “we won’t 
spend our time now telling fish stories, let’s not 
‘count our chickens’ yet a while, let them get feath¬ 
ered first.” 

Now that Wesley had produced estimates of the 
cost to outfit the mines, he considered it proper to 
call the directors together to elect the officers. 

Mr. Graham being so distant, he decided to wire 
his notice of the meeting, which he did, and the fol¬ 
lowing day received the reply: “Selkirk is leaving in 
time to be present at the meeting,” to occur three 
days later. 

Mr. Hunt’s letter in reply to the notice read that 
“He certainly should be present and would have 
mother along, as she was elated at the prospect of 
once again gazing upon ‘that wonderful Yankee’, 
and feeling the presence of his honest and fearless 
personality.” 

The night before the day appointed for the meet¬ 
ing, Wesley repaired to the station at the hour he 
knew the train from Denver would arrive, believing 
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt would come by day rather than 
night train and had not misjudged. As he stood up¬ 
on the platform gazing at the train as it rolled into 
the station, a motion at one of the car windows at¬ 
tracted his attention, there, truly enough were the 
Hunts, both shaking their hands and wearing a 


176 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


happy smile; soon reaching the platform a reunion 
as of parents and son, was witnessed by those hap¬ 
pening to be present, Mrs. Hunt hastening to im¬ 
part a parental kiss, followed by the warm embrace 
of the old man, here indeed, was enjoyed an experi¬ 
ence, Wesley considered worth while living for. 

Those elderly people so recently but total stran¬ 
gers, through what magical action had come about 
this sincere regard and enviable affection? Wesley 
was indeed completely nonplused, he had consid¬ 
ered Mr. Hunt a good friend, as he had Mr. Graham 
and also Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Hunt he had 
not had the opportunity to so closely and intimately 
meet, just an introduction with a few commonplace 
sentences had passed between them. 

Wesley in anticipation of their coming, had se¬ 
cured for them nice quarters at the hotel, whither 
they now proceeded and soon were pleasantly con¬ 
versing at the dining-room table. Wesley’s “whilom 
maid of table service” was equal to the occasion, 
with the kindest solicitation for the welfare of Wes¬ 
ley’s guests, whom he introduced to her as his fos¬ 
ter parents, which caused a bit of merriment and 
satisfaction on the part of the old people. After 
the meal they both remarked upon the particular 
attentiveness shown them, by that exceedingly cour¬ 
teous waitress, the old gentlemen sidewinking a re¬ 
mark, “Hain’t something doing in that direction is 
there, Wesley?” 

“Now Jabez Hunt,” quickly interposed Mrs. Hunt, 
“you are old enough to know better than to make such 
a break as that and I am ashamed of you. Wesley, 
don’t mind all that he may so stupidly remark, I some¬ 
times think he is arriving at his second dotage.” Ha, 
ha, ha, roared both the men. 

An exceedingly pleasant evening was passed, Wes¬ 
ley at their request reciting much of what had engaged 
his attention, since they had met at Mr. Hunt’s home, 


177 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


especially interesting was the experience he had with 
Mr. Baker of the “Gas and Electric Company.” Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt extremely enjoyed Wesley’s way 
of relating the facts, as they had before but very scant 
information of what actually took place, when all had 
been told, Wesley seemingly had towered several knots 
above the position he had heretofore occupied in their 
estimation. It will here be recalled by the reader, that 
this Mr. Baker had been Mr. Hunt’s principal business 
foe, thus naturally his defeat would be especially 
pleasing to him, for it cannot be supposed that Mr. 
Hunt was anything but human. 

During the evening, Wesley asked to be excused 
for a few moments, soon returning with the jovial 
landlord, Mr. Yates, and introduced him to Mr. Hunt 
as a brother director in the “Yankee Mining Com¬ 
pany,” when a lively tilt occurred between them as to 
the sire and the name being so closely allied as to per¬ 
sonal adaptabilities, a Yankee having always been con¬ 
sidered by people of the south and west, as a character 
produced through some “queer freak” in nature, not 
always to be relied upon, except as to the turning of 
some trick. 

Mr. Yates asserted that many people thereabouts, 
actually expected this “immaculate Yankee” would, in 
connection with his recent property acquirements, 
turn a trick well worthy of his natural affinity, adding, 
that he fully expected he would turn a commercial 
trick, for he possessed the goods to do it with, as well 
as the personality, and I am prepared to observe the 
people of Colorado learning to respect “a Yankee”. 

“Yes, yes,” cried the old man, “we’ve just got to 
do it this time, this one has captured us all, but how 
has he done it, no loud hurrahs of buncombe, no ex¬ 
hibition of conceit, no special endeavor to worst 
somebody, but his honest straight-forward determined 
array of persistent endeavor, is his most prominent 
and valuable asset, and this is the weapon with which 


178 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


he has conquered all with whom he had to do. Would 
to God there were thousands more of the same ilk.” 

“Amen,” cried the hotel man. 

It was now getting late and retirement was pro¬ 
posed, as Mr. Hunt suggested, “to recover physical 
energy to meet the pleasure of the coming day, when, 
I believe a circle of good and true friends will be es¬ 
tablished, through the efforts and purposes of this ‘in¬ 
fallible Yankee/ Goodnight, my boy, goodnight.” 

The morning of the day of the directors' meeting 
had arrived and so had the directors, everyone. The 
meeting had been called to open at eleven o'clock; 
Selkirk Graham had arrived on the morning train 
from Denver, having ridden all night. A train arriv¬ 
ing at ten thirty from Colorado Springs brought Mr. 
and Mrs. Jackson, as the lady had insisted upon ac¬ 
companying her husband as persistently as had Mrs. 
Hunt. Thus it seemed, Wesley had in some inexplain- 
able manner succeeded, in ingratiating his personality 
with the ladies quite as well as with the men, and yet, 
no one had ever given him the slightest reputation, as 
a seeker after the companionship of members of the 
opposite sex, in any way that could be termed “idle 
flirtation,” when as a fact, he was wont to avoid them, 
unless he was accidentally thrown into their pathway. 

At the meeting, of course, everybody was intro¬ 
duced to everybody else, and through the novel and 
unusual circumstances which had brought about the 
present assembly and purpose thereof, everybody pres¬ 
ent appeared to have taken on a jolly-go-happy spirit. 
As every assembly of a half dozen people is bound to 
have one wit present, so did this one in Mr. Yates, and 
the goat of the occasion was “that impressive, incom¬ 
parable Yankee.” Many were the sallies sent forth 
at his expense and to the great merriment of the oth¬ 
ers, however, sufficient decorum crept in to properly 
and legally elect the officers of “The Yankee Mining 
Company,” the chief purpose of the assembly. 

179 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Wesley was chosen president and treasurer, Mr. 
Yates secretary, Mr. Selkirk Graham vice-president 
and general manager. 

After the meeting adjourned, the participants also 
adjourned, but to the dining-room of the hotel. It is 
of course assumed that the meeting was held at the 
hotel, for as yet, the company had established no office. 

A gala time that lunch hour was, the ladies of 
those who possessed one, were of course invited to this 
joyful function and no small part in the merrymaking 
should be credited to them, in fact, Mrs. Yates was a 
good second to her husband in the art of merry sar¬ 
casm. They, being the host and hostess of the occa¬ 
sion, had intended these business associates should for 
that hour, forget all business troubles, and Mrs. Jack¬ 
son's comment afterwards to her husband was a very 
true one for all, being: “Cyrus Jackson, your mouth 
was just stretched from ear to ear throughout that 
table session and I was actually ashamed of you." 

Then Cyrus retorted, “The pot must not call the 
kettle black, 'Manda", and “it is dangerous living in 
glass houses if you wish to throw stones." 

“Well," was the retort, “I didn't attempt to catch 
all the flies they had in that hotel." 

“I caught but a few, 'Manda, you didn't miss them 
all, did you?" Cyrus replied. 

Wesley now announced that the organization now 
being complete and the company being ready for busi¬ 
ness, it would need some treasure for the vaults of the 
treasury. As we are now equipped to issue the stock, 
it can be done right now and if convenient a check 
may be given therefor, or it may be mailed after you 
reach home. Mr. Hunt had brought his check along, 
Mr. Yates drew his check and exchanged it for his 
certificate. Mr. Graham would wire his father for a 
check for his portion. Thus it was now in very truth, 
“The Yankee Mining Company" was an entirely 
equipped corporation of a hundred thousand dollars 


180 


THE PROHIB— AND THE SPOOK 


capital, all actually and fully paid in, with fifteen thou¬ 
sand dollars of available working cash capital. 

Wesley’s “baby” was now not only discovered, but 
had emerged from its swaddling clothes, and now was 
truly prepared for a healthy and rapid growth. The 
owners thereof were in high glee at the prospective 
prospect. 

The following morning, the men of the delegation 
inspected the properties, Wesley had arranged for the 
engineer to be present, that he might explain every¬ 
thing they had gone over on their previous trip, more¬ 
over, Jack Loon was along to help entertain, with his 
ideas and information so quaintly expressed. As he 
was to be the ground boss, all took much interest in 
what he had to say and predict. 

The result of this inspection was eminently satis¬ 
factory to all, and especially Selkirk Graham, who was 
to be general superintendent. 

After returning to the hotel, Selkirk excused him¬ 
self as desiring to get off a long letter to his father on 
the evening mail, remarking that his father would be 
just wild over what he had seen that day and would 
be uneasy until he had himself seen it. 

The following morning the Hunts and Jacksons 
proceeded towards their homes upon the same train, 
all, including the ladies, vowing they would be pres¬ 
ent at the first annual meeting, to congratulate that 
“indomitable Yankee” upon his success, or broke in 
Mr. Yates, “his ignominious failure.” “Do not forget 
please,” he added, “that everything in business has a 
possible two sides and there is rarely a sweet with no 
bitter to match it.” 

“God bless that Yankee boy,” cries both Mrs. Hunt 
and Mrs. Jackson as of one voice. “I believe He will, 
I know He will,” as they heartily shake hands and en¬ 
ter the carriage. 

It was now well into December and Wesley was oc¬ 
casionally thinking of New England and the friends 


181 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


it held so dear. Ten months was indeed a long time 
to absent oneself from home, surely so, when it was 
for the first time of any perceptible length. 

Now that he had so completely effected full install¬ 
ment of “his baby,” Wesley was anxious to return and 
compare notes with his “Alliance associates,” wonder¬ 
ing, as had they done concerning him, if they had suc¬ 
ceeded better, or if they had something showing bet¬ 
ter prospects and then he wondered,if they had not 
yet succeeded in discovering “a baby” that was satis¬ 
factory, and whether or not they had yet returned to 
New England. 


182 


CHAPTER V 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 

The holidays in old New England, a very much re¬ 
spected and greatly socialized season, were now some¬ 
what spent when from off an early evening train up 
at Greenville station, jumped, suit case in hand, Wes¬ 
ley Hart, buoyant and happy, wearing a broad smile, 
at what, w T as the conjecture of several bystanders who 
happened not to know or recognize Wesley. Indeed, 
he passed nearly across the platform before anyone 
recognized him,when Sydney Carter came plump up 
against him. They both stared for an instant, when 
Wesley first recovered himself and shouted: “Old 
Syd, old Syd, how are you old Syd, does your mother 
know you are out?” 

“Wesley Hart, by jove, here you are. Oh my! but 
I am glad to see you, indeed I am, how are you old 
boy, how are you?” 

“Fine,” replied Wesley, “and yourself?” 

“Just the same,” was the retort, “always so so, and 
never any better. Where are the others, not aboard 
at all?” 

“No,” replied Wesley, “have not seen any of them 
since nearly ten months ago and have heard nothing 
from them for several weeks, didn’t know but they 
were both in ahead of me, was going to ask, had you 
given me a chance. How is everybody? Haven’t 
buried any of them, have you?” 

“No,” replied Sydney, “none that I think you are 
interested in, but you can bet they are all ready and 
waiting to welcome you fellows. There has been little 
else talked about since you left but Those crazy boys,’ 
and many are expecting you will return as you went, 
minus the money you carried away, but I already know 


183 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


they'll be disappointed by the expression on your coun¬ 
tenance." 

Wesley laughed and inquired, “What would you 
give to know, old Syd? Well, some day the news will 
spread." 

“But," inquired Syd, “why did you not inform us 
of your coming, too bad to let pass so good an oppor¬ 
tunity and reason for a rousing reception." 

“Yes," replied Wesley, “that’ll come in due time 
and when there are three to receive, no use in waking 
the old town up so many times, it will become a chest¬ 
nut under such tactics, let’s go on up town and take a 
good look at all our kind friends, to see if they are all 
as glad to see the wanderer as you." 

“Yes," retorted Syd, “had they known you were 
coming on that train, you would have had more com¬ 
pany than you might desire. Before going on up to 
your old home just drop in to shake with the folks, 
father has talked about you boys almost incessantly, 
always ending up with, 'that’s the greatest lay-out 
ever concocted, wonder which will turn out the best.’ ’’ 

They were now at the Carter home, when Wesley 
suggested that Syd stay a little behind and he would 
stalk right in without any warning. 

The first one to meet was Sybil, and she stood as a 
statue until finding voice to scream, Wesley Hart, 
where in the world did you come from and how in the 
world did you get here? I saw you in my dreams last 
night and I saw you traveling over a hill carrying a 
suitcase, now I behold you in very truth, suitcase as 
well, why, how are you and how have you been ? Where 
are the others and what success have you had?" 

“Ha, ha, ha," roared Wesley, “hold on to the bind¬ 
ing, one at a time as often as you please, but"—here 
rushed in from the kitchen old lady and Mr. Carter, 
who at once embraced Wesley and laughed and 
shouted, and when Sydney came in accompanied by 
Uncle Amos, bedlum was by this time completely let 
loose. 


184 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


“Well, well,” ejaculated Mr. Carter, “it is so funny, 
Sybil related her dream of last night and here in very 
truth is the picture she saw, suitcase and all, by gum, 
she was positive it was you and could not be jostled 
out of it, miracle performers and dreams about them, 
with everything peculiar happening in these days.” 

Sybil had given Wesley an unusually hearty and 
lengthy handshake and as their eyes met, they seemed 
to each one as expressing a fond thought indeed; the 
sensation of the one moment seemed to linger after 
their hands were released, what could be the meaning 
of that peculiar feeling. Never before had either ex¬ 
perienced such when in the presence of the other, true, 
they had always been good friends, but they had not 
known of any especial fondness for each other, in fact, 
they had paired off otherwise. 

Soon Wesley remarked, “I must jog along as the 
good people up at The house of Hart' will likely prove 
as glad to shake,” again holding out his hand to Sybil, 
and passed out into the night. 

A few moments later Wesley walked in at the back 
door of his old home. Betty happened to be in the 
kitchen for something and with her back turned to¬ 
ward the door, Wesley strode quickly up to her and 
placed a hand upon her head, speaking out “Betty 
dear, how are you?” Turning quickly she screamed, 
which brought the others from the living room all in 
a bunch, and who shall say that quiet remained in that 
household for several hours to come? None could talk 
fast enough, none could be heard, all talked at once 
and nothing was said, distinguishable at least, and 
none knew certainly that any real information had 
been imparted or received. Soon as reasonable quiet 
could be allowed, mother at once suggested to the girls 
that they hustle something on to the dining table to 
appease hunger, adding, “One who is returning from 
a long trip can better appreciate that than so much 
hugging and gabble.” 


185 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Oh dear,” shouted both girls,” what selfish dunces 
we are,” and things flew in all directions for the space 
of several minutes, while all tongues wagged merrily 
along. Finally when all had become greatly exhausted, 
the timely suggestion that they all retire was eagerly 
accepted. 

The next morning the news soon had spread all 
over the town, that one of the “silly wanderers” had 
returned and curiosity led most of them to seek an 
interview during the day. Wesley would not leave the 
house that first day, he vowed it was quite good enough 
for him at present, but dozens of the people called, 
even many of those who had regarded the whole epi¬ 
sode as but a “silly boys’ folly,” but curiosity will ever 
get the best of most of the human family from one 
cause or another. 

Wesley made the interviews short as possible, re¬ 
garding them really as intrusions, for he desired to 
spend that first day at home alone with his own people, 
but of course he could not entirely ignore them, thus 
his own people had not attempted to monopolize him, 
reasoning there will be time enough to visit and learn 
what there is to learn. 

Mr. Hart was the most impatient of all to learn of 
the results of the trip, but Wesley had already told 
him that, by agreement, they were not to divulge their 
reports until after their adjourned meeting, that first, 
“The Alliance” must receive each detailed report, but 
Wesley realizing how impatient they might be, just 
gave them one sentence that “I have located my baby 
and consider it a success;” that was all that could 
be gotten from him, thus remaining true to his com¬ 
pact with his associates, even with his own good people. 
However, Wesley was especially cautious and yet open 
as far as allowable in his estimation under the solemn 
agreement. 

The Carters and Kents were of course as much in¬ 
terested as were the Harts. In due course Wesley 


186 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


called upon them, but could tell them nothing of the 
whereabouts or success of their boys, of these matters 
he was as ignorant as they, but they had not long 
to wait, for upon the evening of the third day after 
the arrival of Wesley, the same evening train up, 
dropped Basil upon the platform, and here again was 
cause for another uproar of surprise and greeting; 
however, none happened to be upon the platform upon 
this occasion, as it was a rainy night, so Basil strode 
along the street until near home, when he met Sydney 
going to the store on an errand. 

The brothers immediately embraced each other and 
at once proceeded to the door of the house, when as 
before Sydney remained back and let Basil stroll in 
alone. 

Mr. Carter happened to see him first and shouted 
to the top of his voice, “Here he is, here he is, thank 
the good Lord, safe and sound, and better yet with a 
happy countenance. You have had good luck, my boy, 
I know it, I know it!” 

Basil was wearing a big smile and one that would 
not and did not come off one bit as he embraced one 
after another until all had enjoyed their turn. Who 
can know what joy can be extracted from a reunion 
in family ties, if one has never been absent during some 
lengthy period? 

Soon all were seated, when question firing vigor¬ 
ously commenced, and so many being fired at once, 
it relieved Basil from responding to any, thus he haw- 
hawed, acclaiming, “Give us a rest, give us a rest, we 
need it!” and began to talk of his trip home, which 
went for a while, but the wolves had only been scared 
off temporarily and soon renewed the attack with ac¬ 
claim ! “Have you found ‘your baby’ and where is it?” 
Mr. Carter quietly remarking, “They will not be satis¬ 
fied until you tell them all about it.” 

“No, we will not,” exclaimed Sybil, “Wesley told us 
he had found ‘his baby/ but would impart nothing 
further.” 


187 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Ah, yes,” exclaimed Basil, “Wesley was loyal to 
his compact and I shall be to mine, no news must or 
can be given out until after the holding of our ad¬ 
journed meeting on March first. I will say as much 
as he, however, I have located ‘my baby’ and believe 
I have a thoroughly good one, Wesley seemed in good 
spirits, did he not?” 

“Indeed he did,” replied Sybil, “never saw him look 
happier, it is truly exciting, with you boys returning 
so apparently happy after so long an absence, and yet 
so completely wrapped in mystery concerning your 
accomplishments, that even your nearest of kin are 
barred from any knowledge of your actions whatever. 
The ways of a boy are indeed past comprehension.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” shouted Basil, “but the girls all appre¬ 
ciate his pleasing companionship nevertheless; now, 
sis, can you deny it?” 

“No,” retorted Sybil, “I will neither affirm nor deny 
anything you say concerning that subject, Basil Carter, 
you horrid thing, so there, what have you to give that's 
interesting ?” 

Basil jumping up, made for Sybil, “this and this,” 
as he reigned a shower of kisses upon those indignant 
rosy lips, “is not that interesting, my dear sister, or 
would it be more so from another than a brother, 
Jonas, perhaps,” while the others were enjoying the 
tilt immensely. 

The following morning, quite early appeared Wes¬ 
ley, just as the Carters were rising from the breakfast 
table, and to say that no embrace ever exceeded the 
one engaged in by these two old school chums and 
tentative commercial associates, would be but an idle 
remark, their joy at meeting once again would not 
down and so hilarious were they that it afforded great 
sport for all present, unless it be Uncle Amos, who 
appeared a bit bored, believing as he did, that Basil's 
reluctance to disclose his experiences, with their re¬ 
sults in actual accomplishments, was a forewarning 


188 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


that failure had crowned the efforts of his foolish at¬ 
tempt to obtain “something for little or nothing. ,, 

The boys were about to take a stroll together, when 
Sidney returned from an errand to the store and an¬ 
nounced he had met Janice Kent, who had handed 
out the information that a letter came last night from 
Jonas, saying he would arrive home on New Year’s 
eve, six-thirty, accompanied by a friend for whom he 
had the kindest regards and who would be his guest 
while at home, so here was material for another deeply 
mysterious mystery, and the plot thickened, while 
Uncle Amos, the chronic growler, was shaking his head 
with, “I told you so.” 

Things were now happening in the little old town, 
but now that the boys had returned, as the “prodigal 
of old,” it seemed to inspire the thought among many 
of the people, that some sort of a reception plan might 
afford an occasion for entertainment, with these un¬ 
usual characters as the guests, making a feature of 
the occasion an address by each one unfolding in detail, 
their experiences and accomplishments throughout 
their itinerary. 

The arrival of Jonas was now but four days ahead 
and New Year’s eve was a fitting time for the recep¬ 
tion to receive. 

Like all general entertainments of a reception 
character, some elements were proposed that all would 
not subscribe to, a community that would agree en¬ 
tirely would not belong to the human family, the young 
people desired to have dancing upon the program and 
many of the older ones did not object, but as usual 
there were some of the “holier than thou” stamp, who 
declared that dancing would just completely spoil the 
fitting solemnity of the occasion. 

Everybody was busy both physically and mentally, 
so much so that the minority unconsciously became 
possessed of the spirit, each knowing it was un¬ 
popular indeed to place a straw in the way of those 
devoted to the cause. 


189 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


The old hall must be trimmed, seemingly, as never 
before. Off to the woods went teams and men, while 
the women were clustered here and there in endeavor 
to acquire in plenty, every article of art and beauty 
that might add to the occasion. 

Upon the evening of the second day, everybody, old 
and young, even kids who could do little more than 
navigate about the room, assembled to trim the large 
hall, and the chatter and laughter of the young people 
were indeed an inspiration. 

Basil and Wesley were ever in the thick of it, sur¬ 
rounded by their former school chums, both boys and 
girls, as one aged person expressed it: “This scene 
is, I think, the most inspiring and completely satis¬ 
fying scene I have ever witnessed. Here is truly and 
practically an example of a condition so much desired 
through a precept of the good book, ‘Peace on earth 
and good will to all men/ no strife seems possible in 
the human world with the condition here demonstrated 
where all are of one accord, selfishness has no part 
or lot among this throng of workers. What a substi¬ 
tute for heaven this world might be, if the unity of 
spirit and endeavor to acquire happiness in the absence 
of human selfishness, were such as exhibited here upon 
this occasion.” 

The wee sma’ hours of the morning arrived and 
found our joyous workers yet busy, with a will to com¬ 
plete the task before resting, and complete it was 
as the room trimming alone was concerned. 

The day following the different requirements were 
set in place, much of the ordinary routine of business 
was set aside for the occasion, in fact, that old town 
had never before been so completely given over to the 
one matter in hand, even the good parson was ever 
present with counsel and good cheer. 

The last day arrived, Jonas was expected on the 
six-thirty train and a delegation was to meet him at 
the station with brass band to escort him to the hall. 


190 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


It had been arranged for carriages to convey the mem¬ 
bers of each of the boy's families, Basil and Wesley 
in one by themselves to head the procession, while 
Jonas and his friend were to ride back with them, amid 
the flags and bunting that were lavishly hung about 
the town. 

Soon after six o'clock it began to look lively about 
the railroad station, and before the guest train ar¬ 
rived, there were present more than two thousand 
people. 

The band stood out in prominence with a large 
American flag at its flank, and immediately upon the 
halting of the train, three rousing cheers filled the air 
and, “Home again, home again," was peeled forth by 
the band, accompanied by the voices of every one pres¬ 
ent who could sing at all. 

The passengers were alighting, awestruck with 
wonder at what they beheld, who could be the import¬ 
ant personage for whom this demonstration was given, 
and was he arriving or departing ? 

Jonas and Ellis, for it was he of whom Jonas had 
written as his friend, were in quite as much of a 
quandary as the others and they gazed about with 
quite as much curiosity as any, as to who and where 
the recipients of this demonstration were, of course 
innocent and ignorant that they were the whole show, 
or the clowns of the show, until they had reached the 
platform, when the station master accosted Jonas with: 
“This way, Mr. Kent, if you wish to avoid the crowd," 
leading them to the north side of the depot quickly, 
with remarking not a word, and where standing beside 
a carriage were Basil and Wesley. Both when within 
reach landed upon Jonas with the yell of the native 
Indian. Then did Ellis tumble to the game, as Jonas 
would have done had he been given opportunity. 

The music stopped, the crowd cheered and bedlam 
let loose beside this racket would have appeared as 
docile as “the dove of peace." No time for ceremony 


191 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


here, all were hustled into the carriage and forthwith 
they went to the town hall and the collation therewith 
served. 

Jonas was so completely overcome upon learning 
that all this fuss and fucle was for him, and perhaps 
his “whilom Alliance Associates,” that he said little 
and declared he knew little or nothing, while his friend 
Ellis was around the same mind. Great, great, was all 
he could articulate. 

When the carriages were emptied, the guests and 
their relations were escorted to the selectmen’s room, 
there to impart their greetings, each to the other of 
the guests and then to their relatives, after which 
Jonas and his friend were appraised of the plans 
throughout, including the recital of their experiences 
while away. Jonas demurred at first and for the same 
reason that the others had objected under, but when 
told it would not call for anything inconsistent with 
their “Alliance Compact,” said he would tell them 
something if he could sufficiently pull himself together 
after this terrible circus. 

The boys had no time to talk a word with each 
other as they would, but mingled with the crowd in 
their j oiliest sort of way, it was everybody talking 
at once while shaking, with pulling and hauling. 

Soon Jonas, seeing the futility of attempting to 
singly introduce his friend, jumped upon a chair and 
directed Ellis to stride another, called forth to the 
crowd assembled! 

“My dear old chums and fellow townsmen, I have 
brought along with me from the wild and woolly west, 
one of the best of ‘wild and woolly west’ friends that 
man ever had the good fortune to acquire, he is a native 
of the ‘Show me’ state and has come along to have you 
show him what the people of old New England, ‘the 
real Yankees,’ are able to exhibit. The west as a rule 
only believes in the west. ‘The real Yankees’ of the 
east are supposed, by them, to have become not exactly 


192 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


extinct, but more or less passe.” Cries of no, no, went 
forth from the crowd, “but,” continued Jonas with a 
laugh, my friend is willing to be shown, now with your 
permission and pleasure my friends, one and all, please 
make the acquaintance of Mr. Ellis Slayton of Joplin, 
Missouri.” 

The collation was then served and so elaborate 
had been the provision made, that all who desired 
were comfortably filled at the tables. 

After the hungry stomachs were satisfied, 
speeches were in order and they were rattling good 
ones, that were cheered and then cheered some 
more. 

Basil and Wesley had a little the advantage of 
Jonas, having had some notice during which to 
gather their thoughts upon what they might say to 
interest the people, but nevertheless they pulled 
nothing over on Jonas, for the complete surprise had 
seemed to quicken his wits, and his remarks, 
although quite different from the others, were in 
their way quite as interesting. 

When the three allies had completed their say- 
so, Ellis was called up as a representative of the 
“wild and woolly west,” to entertain the crowd, and 
taking his cue from what Jonas had said in intro¬ 
ducing him, he launched out into the funniest ex¬ 
tempore that these rural folk ever had listened to, 
and ere he had concluded, all within his hearing had 
become his friends. He had alluded to Jonas as 
Jonah, “the traditional Jonah,” as the only inhab¬ 
itant ever inhabiting a whale’s belly, and was now 
a very different personage, since coming forth from 
“the Yankee whale” and roamed about the “wild 
and woolly paradise of America” among the bucks, 
that can buck all handsomely and completely and 
are ever and always out looking for new worlds to 
conquer, being especially desirous of crossing the 
pathway of the inevitable Yankee, who hitherto has 


7 


193 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


been regarded by the southwest as something of a 
freak, but more recently as one to be made note of, 
as they have witnessed the advent of the spewing 
forth of “the Yankee whale,” when yells and hur¬ 
rahs rent the air at the expense of Jonas Kent. 

Wesley in his remarks had alluded to the “Yan¬ 
kee” stigma placed upon him, as emphasized by Mr. 
Baker of the “Gas and Electric Company of Den¬ 
ver,” humorously repeating the characterization as 
given, “That damned Yankee,” which brought forth 
loud laughter, thus when Jonas and Ellis alluded to 
it in their remarks, it took hold good and hard and 
tested a bit the old-time loyalty of the “New Eng¬ 
land Yankee,” whose ancestors had come across in 
the traditional Mayflower. 

Soon after the speeches were concluded, scores 
of willing hands made quick work in clearing that 
large hall of the collation equipment, and within 
thirty minutes the musicians were playing for the 
skip and hop, and many gray heads were to be seen 
among the lively throng upon the floor, while among 
these were to be seen the old-fashioned “cutting it 
down,” like the clog of the clown. 

The younger set were more quiet, much less de¬ 
monstrative and more sentimental, usually laughing 
hard to see the old people hop, as with them it was 
“truly a hop.” 

Our boys and Ellis generally monopolized the 
Kent, Carter and Hart girls, which they could do 
much of the time, there being so many of them to 
change off with. 

Betty and Bella Hart were really too much for 
Ellis. He could not for the life of him tell with 
which one he was; several times he attempted to 
designate them by some apparently distinctive ob¬ 
ject upon their garb, but in each case when suppos¬ 
ing he was with one, it had proved out it was not 
she but the other one. Wesley could distinguish one 


194 


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from the other, but Jonas and Basil were not always 
certain, and thus, great merriment and some embar¬ 
rassment was often experienced among all the Hart 
girls' acquaintances of both sexes. The girls them¬ 
selves so enjoyed the perplexity of others in that re¬ 
gard, that they did not attempt to wear anything 
different that they might be identified by. Ellis had 
to confess to himself that, in fact, there was no dif¬ 
ference in the attractiveness of the twins, and he 
could not like the one better than the other; he 
danced several times with both and he considered 
both were charming and that was all the conclusion 
he could arrive at. When out upon the floor with 
one he would say: “Well, you are Miss Betty?" 

“Indeed I am not," was the reply with a laugh, 
and again, “You are Miss Bella, are you not?" 

“No, indeed, I don’t sail under that color, my sis¬ 
ter is jealous of that name, if you please sir;" thus it 
went, until Ellis felt ashamed to allude to a distinc¬ 
tion without a visible difference. 

Ellis mused much over the situation, should he 
and Jonas attempt to unravel that complexity of na¬ 
ture, was it not symbolic of a dual identity, not ex¬ 
actly a case of a “Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde," but 
nevertheless quite as mysterious and perplexing? 
Were he and Jonas intending to monopolize that 
precious pair, how in the world were they going to 
accomplish it unless the girls would co-operate, for 
it would be decidedly unsafe to attempt to make love 
to either upon one occasion, and endeavor to pick it 
up again at the next meeting, when if it were not the 
same one it would be quite embarrassing, to say the 
least, and furnish occasion for joking at their ex¬ 
pense. Ellis confessed to himself that he was fond 
of these girls, but could not specify, therefore, why 
should it matter which one, and he wondered just 
how Jonas regarded the situation. He believed 
Jonas liked the girls and wished he could learn if 


195 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


he had any preference, but it was a delicate subject 
to approach him upon and thus Ellis decided to let 
matters drift, and bide his time, mayhap Jonas 
would unconsciously commit some act that would 
help to solve the problem. Really, Ellis was con¬ 
vinced that either of the twins was satisfactory to 
him, he would be satisfied to settle the matter with 
Jonas by drawing of names from the hat, but that 
would not definitely settle which personality he or 
Jonas had obtained, unless the girls themselves 
would consent to co-operate, thus Ellis mused. 
“Would it not be a feasible and satisfactory way of 
adjustment to both meet the girls at the same time 
and explain the matter as it appears to us, to deter¬ 
mine if possible what their preference may be in 
plainer and brief parley, put ourselves up at auc¬ 
tion for them to bid upon, or refuse to bid at all ? 

“Well,” Ellis decided, “I will let Jonas work 
away at it a while, just keep around and take the one 
that’s left whenever we go out.” 

An occasion was in prospect at the time, so Ellis 
was slow in securing his companion, while he was 
determined to learn if possible which one he was in¬ 
viting, but when he called, both were present and 
neither seemed inclined to absent herself, and why 
should she, not knowing which he had come to see, 
as he had previously shown no preference so far as 
they had observed. 

Ellis was becoming desperate and finally he in¬ 
quired if Mr. Kent had been to call of late. 

“Yes,” replied one, “he called a few moments 
this morning, we were both present and greatly en¬ 
joyed the call, although it was a brief one,” continu¬ 
ing, “have you not met him of late?” 

“No,” replied Ellis, “not since day before yester¬ 
day, what pray, when he called had he upon his 
mind?” 

“Oh,” was the reply, “a lot of things as he always 


196 


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does, he is a cute one, Mr. Kent is, as he always was 
in school days and as you are undoubtedly aware, 
he is nice company and good in every way, sister and 
I both delight in his company.” 

“Yes,” cried the other one, “he is everything 
that one could ask, as well as another that we both 
could name, but in our short lives we have learned 
that jewels of any sort are rare and generally come 
high, and like the man, who when driving about a 
poor lean creature, said “he should not be poor for 
he was fed high enough,” which proved upon inves¬ 
tigation, Truly fitting,’ as he had fed the horse so 
high he could not reach the feed, thus jewels that 
come high are forbidden sister and I, because we 
cannot reach them.” 

“I think,” retorted Ellis, “that you two sisters 
together might devise some plan to capture a jewel 
so much desired, they often say that Two heads are 
better than one at any old game.’ Thus, two such 
heads as you seemingly possess should be able to find 
a way to acquire whatever your hearts desire. By 
the way, did Mr. Kent mention the church reception 
that occurs Thursday evening?” 

“Oh yes,” answered one, “much was said re¬ 
garding it one way and another.” 

“Did he indicate that he was to be present?” 

“Not decisively,” replied the same one, “it 
seemed to depend upon something or other which 
he did not seem inclined to divulge.” 

“Suppose you are both to attend the function?” 
queried Ellis. 

“Oh yes,” replied the other, “we attend every¬ 
thing for something to pass the time with.” 

Ellis now was greatly desperate, and looking at 
neither especially, he blurted out the question, 
“Would my company be agreeable upon the occa¬ 
sion in question?” Each girl looked at the other 
but for no real cause, when the other exclaimed, 


197 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“Mr. Slayton, we would most certainly delight in 
your company, both of us consider your company 
quite agreeable and have so considered it since 
first we met you, but you might find yourself 
overloaded with a pair such as we, thus do you not 
think Mr. Kent will attend ?” 

“I did,” retorted Ellis, “until you informed me 
that he appeared disinclined this morning.” 

“Oh, as for that,” was the reply, he may attend 
even though he was not certain this morning, he can 
decide even after supper, put on his hat and coat 
and just saunter forth, why not, Mr. Slayton?” 

“Yes, I presume,” replied Ellis, “but I am con¬ 
sidering you both on my list for Thursday evening 
and so long as I have both, the question of identity 
does not arise, for once my bonnie twins I am not 
troubled that way, but time, the just and certain 
regulator, will ever straighten out the crooked and 
place each parcel on its true and proper pedestal, 
thus you and I will finally arrive at our proper desig¬ 
nation, with the proper associate whichever of two 
it may concern.” 

The girls were much pleased at this and one ex¬ 
claimed : “I did not before realize, Mr. Slayton, that 
you were so great and accurate a philosopher, for 
you have correctly drawn a picture that I think 
comes directly home to us three or four in very fact.” 

“But,” cried Ellis, “where does the four come in, 
surely we are but three.” 

With a blush the maiden retorted, “the other is 
perhaps in imagination, ‘a wish may have been 
father to the thought/ that sometimes happens you 
know,” and all were merry with laughter as Ellis 
arose to go. 

The following morning Ellis met Jonas with a 
laugh, they had not met for two days as Ellis had 
been to the city and Jonas had been out in the coun¬ 
try with his father, so they had by happen just 
missed each other. 


198 


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Ellis at once put the question, “How about Thurs¬ 
day evening, Jonas, anything doing ?” 

“No,” replied Jonas, “nothing doing here, why, 
what are you driving at?” 

“Oh, nothing in particular, but supposed you 
would attend that function, as you seldom allow an 
opportunity to escort Miss Hart pass you by.” 

“Miss Hart,” retorted Jonas, “which Miss Hart?” 

“Search me, cried Ellis, “perhaps you can tell 
better than I, surely they are too much for me, that 
precious pair.” 

“Precious all right,” replied Jonas, “I called 
there this morning to invite one of them to go along.” 

“Which one?” cried Ellis. 

“Search me now, for I’ll be blamed if I could 
get an even chance at either of them, they stuck to¬ 
gether like two leeches and I hadn’t intended to in¬ 
vite the whole family, thus it disconcerted me and I 
invited nothing.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared Ellis, “that’s some confes¬ 
sion anyhow for such as 'Jonas Kent’ to make, I’ll 
be fully bound if that’s not interesting.” 

“But how about Ellis Slayton,” cried Jonas, “is 
he able to do much better, what provision have you 
made for the function in question?” 

“Ah, my good chum,” replied Ellis, “I am going 
to that reception and I have an abundance of good 
company, really some to spare, were a good friend in 
need and a change in venue were agreeable to the 
present subject matter, with a possible change in re¬ 
lative associations.” 

“Thou talkest in riddles, my good Ellis,” cried 
Jonas, “pray tell what thou would’st have me under¬ 
stand.” 

“Ah, old boy,” retorted Ellis, “I bagged the 
game that a lack of courage prevented you from 
bagging, only this, I secured the whole brood where 
you only went after one.” 


199 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


“The deuce you did,” cried Jonas, “you are to carry 
off that precious pair of twins, my land alive, what in 
the world are you to do with them, well loaded this 
time, old boy, if asked which you prefer what can 
you say and be honest with yourself?” 

“I cannot answer such a question and I wager that 
neither can you.” 

Jonas laughed and confessed his inability to select 
and if selecting, “how can one be certain that upon any 
occasion he has the right one? Were a fellow to marry 
either, how can he be certain the one apparent is the 
real wife?” 

“Well, do as I have done and take ’em both,” re¬ 
plied Ellis. “Now I am to make a suggestion. You 
have confessed that you really have no choice and that 
is my position in the matter exactly, let’s take two 
slips, write one of their names upon each slip, deposit 
them in a hat, you draw first, which shall be considered 
by us as bona fide, the one remaining in the hat shall 
be mine, this, so far as we are concerned, I will take 
them both to the reception and when you appear we 
will manage to get you hitched on to one of them. 
When arriving at their home we will go in, and all 
being seated together, we will in some way manage 
to have them speak their names, and then put the 
proposition straight up to them of so adjusting some 
part of their raiment that we can always easily identify 
them. We are equal to that I believe, then we can be 
governed by what takes place, as to propounding any 
further questions; we are both certain we are in love 
with both of them. Being unable to discover any 
preference we can go upon the decision the slips have 
adjudged, until we find they have other ideas; the 
situation I think allows of a double header in ‘a proposal 
of marriage,’ a unique and unusual method I will admit, 
but so has been our intercourse with these precious 
twins.” 

“Well,” replied Jonas, “you have figured that out 
200 


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in unique style all right. I am not averse to any method 
of ascertaining where we are at, that is honorable and 
will set us aright.” 

Thursday evening at the church reception and sup¬ 
per, Ellis and the twins appeared, and in due course 
Jonas walked in, and after sauntering about a while, 
apparently accidental, he met his friend and whilom 
associates, all of whom appeared heartily glad to meet 
him. Soon supper was announced and how otherwise, 
than that Jonas should gallantly propose to relieve his 
friend of part of his company; thus now paired off, 
they remained paired off until they all went for their 
wrappings, which was which, neither of the boys knew, 
but as the girls came in from the dressing room, Jonas 
stepped up to the first one, which afterward proved 
was the one Ellis had escorted to supper, the girls of 
course knew of the mistake, but it was so common a one 
they simply smiled and passed on, little dreaming of 
what their escorts had in store for them. 

Arriving at the door, although a little late, the in¬ 
vitation to “come in” was accepted and somewhat to 
the surprise of the girls, no doubt, soon after becoming 
seated, the sisters on the sofa with the boys just in 
front of them in chairs, Ellis remarked, “My dear young 
ladies, we, my friend and myself, surely have passed 
many happy hours in your delightful society and our 
fondness for you has whetted our desire to be able 
to more easily identify you, a problem we have been 
unable to solve, as have all other of your acquaintances. 
We feel that you should, in reciprocation of the fond 
regard and affection in which we so dearly hold you, 
so adjust some part of your raiment that we may 
know ‘who is who'; to others if you wish, you can 
remain incognito.” 

The reply from one was: “We, sister and I, both 
are fond of the company of both Mr. Slayton and Mr. 
Kent, we regard you highly and would not offend you 
in any way for the world, moreover, we will be pleased 


201 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


to adopt any suggestion that you may make if prac¬ 
tical and reasonable. We confess to having greatly 
enjoyed the perplexity of others regarding our identity, 
suppose it is naturally but human to be pleased at the 
discomfiture in others, when innocently and harmlessly 
brought about, and we claim to be nothing but human.” 

Then Jonas remarked, “We desire to continue with 
you girls, as the best and most sincere friends possible.” 

“Aye, more than that,” added Ellis, “we desire to 
become more than friends in the normal sense; my 
dear ladies, will it be presuming too much to inquire 
in behalf of Mr. Kent and myself, if we are sufficiently 
agreeable and worthy in your estimation, to be con¬ 
sidered by you as proper and satisfactory to hold a 
relationship much stronger and dearer than any degree 
of friendship? In briefer and more definite parley, 
can you and will you consider a reciprocation of the 
love we both experience for you both? We confess 
to our inability to distinguish between you as a pref¬ 
erence, therefore which name you bear matters not.” 

Noticing the girls were much confused at what 
he had said and appeared unable to reply, Ellis pleas¬ 
antly inquired if what he had said had in any degree 
offended them. 

“No, indeed,” replied one, “the question I was de¬ 
bating was whether or no you sufficiently understand 
yourselves, the point you have raised is of most serious 
import, one in which one’s understanding of oneself 
cannot be too acute, to understand oneself I regard as 
quite as important as to clearly understand another.” 

“I wish to say,” added the other, “in behalf of my 
sister and myself, that we consider the honor you are 
proposing to bestow upon us the greatest and most 
to be desired of any that can be conceded to any mem¬ 
ber of our sex by any member of yours. Truly our 
esteem and regard for you both is practically un¬ 
limited, but”—here they all burst out in a hearty laugh, 
with the same thought in all their minds, “The query 


202 


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is, which is to be which and how are you going to work 
it out?” For several minutes they sat and enjoyed 
the ludicrous situation; to be sure, the boys had not 
really “popped the question” and the ridiculousness 
of the situation made it impossible to intelligently 
commit the act. Both sides now appeared to have 
gone the limit, what should be done next, but it rather 
seemed to be the boys’ next move, the girls could 
not with propriety proceed further, the predicament 
they all found themselves in was embarrassing, to 
say the least. Then Jonas, becoming a bit desperate, 
arose to the occasion with the question, “My dear 
ladies, if either or both of you have any preference 
between us will you be so kind as to name it? Truly 
we must act in some way, else sit here and grin at 
each other for nobody knows how long and none can 
tell with what result.” 

The girls looked at each other and shouted together 
with a loud laugh, “No, no, we have no preference, we 
like you both equally well.” 

Jonas suggested that Ellis inform the girls of the 
plan he had suggested to him in solution of the diffi¬ 
cult problem. 

Ellis laughed and remarked, “You would make of 
me the laughing stock of the assembly, would you not ? 
Perhaps in this case it is not an enviable position to 
be placed in.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried the girls, “go ahead, let’s have it.” 

“Well,” retorted Ellis, “prepare for the worst and 
regard as lightly as possible the offense it may commit, 
promise me that you will and I will proceed with a 
recital of that weird and abnormal proposal of ad¬ 
justment, concerning the like of which, never before 
was known or heard of, in the heavens above or the 
earth beneath.” 

When the plan had been unfolded, the girls were 
convulsed with laughter, and having somewhat of the 


203 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


gamble tendency, declared it was a fine way out of 
the difficulty, “Jolly, just jolly,” said one. 

“But who shall do the drawing?” cried Ellis. “I 
propose the girls do it for it should be they to deter¬ 
mine their choosing, it being a traditional idea that 
'man shall propose and woman dispose/ in this case 
the one drawing the slips disposes.” 

“Are you willing, Mr. Slayton, to be disposed of by 
lottery?” inquired one of the girls. 

“Yes,” replied Ellis, “when the cards are all Harts.” 

“Me, too,” cried Jonas. 

“Well sister, what’s to be done with such a pre¬ 
cious pair of boys as that, we are in for it I guess, 
shall we do it?” 

“It’s a funny way,” replied the other, “but how 
else are we to accomplish anything? I would prefer 
they do the drawing, but suppose their argument is 
the logical one and thus we should conform to it, now 
then put your names upon a slip and pass the hat to all 
the women, with the injunction to take but one.” 

The other one leaned across and whispered to her 
sister, and immediately she spoke up as being dissatis¬ 
fied with the plan to have the ladies do the drawing 
and insisting upon the boys doing it, thus one of the 
girls wrote both their names and placed them in the 
hat, exclaiming, “Now that is the method you boys 
first decided to adopt and it should be the one em¬ 
ployed.” 

“Very well,” replied Ellis, “take your pick Jonas, 
and I’ll take what is left.” 

All were on the broad grin as Jonas drew forth 
one of the slips, but did not look at it until Ellis had 
taken his, when they held them up with the names 
toward the girls, when they roared and roared while 
the boys looked queer. Soon all were bursting with 
roaring laughter and the boys now realized how they 
had been again duped, for which one had they drawn, 
true, they each had a name, but “what’s in a name?” 


204 


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They always had known the names of those “incor¬ 
rigible twins,” but they now, more than ever, desired 
to know the distinctive personality. 

Greatly chagrined were the boys upon discovering 
the complete failure of their solution, really, they had 
been caught in a trap of their own provising and their 
pride objected to begging quarter from the girls, 
while their countenances wore a perplexed and dissatis¬ 
fied look, and the girls were just bulging over with 
fun that the situation had provided them. 

It was now past midnight and one of the girls sug¬ 
gested that it might require another session to com¬ 
plete the deal, which had really resolved itself into 
“The gamble of mystery,” thus the boys were com¬ 
pelled to leave unsatisfied their curiosity as to which of 
the two girls were to be his in very fact, while the girls 
remained fully informed regarding the decree of fate, 
truly, a one-sided and unjust dispensation, but as 
woman has ever been conceded by a kindly fate the 
most favored position, there seemed to be no relief 
present for the boys. 

The quartet could not meet the following evening, 
as the old people of the neighborhood were to be enter¬ 
tained by the older members of the Hart family, there¬ 
fore, the girls would be busy in assisting. The following 
day was Saturday, when calls were not considered just 
proper. 

The following day being Sunday, the girls had re¬ 
minded the boys that gambling could not be considered 
upon that day or evening, Monday evening was a party 
at the Carters and no session could be held after the 
time that would adjourn, thus it was that each of 
the boys would be obliged to endure his torment until 
Tuesday night, at the least, meeting the girls at these 
several functions and also Sunday at church, knowing 
that one of them was to be his wife, but not knowing 
which one and all the time knowing that each girl was 
certain of her fate, it really was but cruel torture and 


205 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


who could describe the situation otherwise? But Ellis 
reasoned that good things come high, even if the coin 
in payment was less objectionable, a “hope deferred” 
being much better than a “forlorn hope,” thank the 
good Lord. 

The quartet did not meet again until at church 
on Sunday, and then only for a salute and shake of 
the hand. Sunday evening they were all out and the 
boys accompanied the twins home, but was each boy 
with his own girl neither boy could tell and neither 
could they detect a clue upon which to base an opinion, 
dark, all was dark as the night that enshrouded them, 
but nevertheless it was a gay quartet. 

At home they were invited in, remaining the usual 
time of such occasions, but any attempt at the game 
of identity was quickly diverted by the girls. 

Two rather cheap feeling fellows were they, Ellis 
and Jonas, yet they had much cause for rejoicing, for 
they had succeeded in their attempt to secure to them¬ 
selves that which was entirely satisfactory, nobody 
had anything over on them, their sorrows were few, 
their joys many and complete. 

At the Carter party all of the quartet were present 
and throughout, the same tactics, “mum is the word,” 
prevailed regarding the identity of the twins, but Ellis 
and Jonas set their teeth down hard with each other 
in the resolve, that forty-eight hours more should not 
pass before those “implacable twins” should deliver up 
their identity. Of course the boys accompanied the 
twins home as usual, in complete ignorance of which 
one they were with. The girls appeared to the boys 
as much more hilarious than had been their wont, and 
well they might be, thought the boys, after putting 
it over on us in this fashion, they are enjoying “the 
time of their life” at our expense before they are justi¬ 
fied in so doing. After musing thus, it occurred to the 
boys, who were generally disposed to be exceptionally 
fair in all matters, that the apparently greater joy 


206 


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demonstrated by the girls, was not due to the apparent 
crusade they were putting over on them, but might be 
due to the natural conditions present between them, 
“an engagement” generally being considered second 
only “to marriage” in the important pleasing events 
of a life. With these reactionary thoughts presenting 
themselves, the boys felt better and more charitable 
concerning what they had almost considered abusive 
treatment. 

They did not call upon the twins the next night 
after the Carter party, desiring to appear not over¬ 
anxious, but the second night they decided to have 
that identification session come off, thus in due time 
appeared at the door of the Hart home. Mrs. Hart 
answered the bell and seated them in the parlor with 
the remark, “The girls are upstairs, I will quickly ad¬ 
vise them of your presence.” In a few moments one 
of the twins appeared delighted as ever to meet them. 
“Sister will be down presently,” remarked the maid, 
“we hardly had expected you yet a while, so much has 
been going on of late, thought perhaps you might have 
tired somewhat of society.” 

“That might depend,” suggested Jonas. 

“Upon what?” inquired the maid. 

“Upon whose ox is being gored and upon who 
might be goring it,” retorted Jonas. 

“Ah,” cried the maid, “in riddles thou art speak¬ 
ing to one so dense, dost thou then imagine that it's 
mystery I am courting, that whatever of mystery ap¬ 
pears upon the surface is quite disconcerting and thus, 
might cause rupture that no healing balm could cure?” 

“Ha, ha, ha, my pretty maid,” cried Ellis, “dost 
thou not realize thou hast spoken truly of the feelings 
and experiences recently endured by the guests now 
present, is it in true sympathy that thou has con¬ 
fessed the belief, that in mystery a possible danger 
lurks, is there anything in human affairs that more 
closely needs guarding, than happiness full and corn- 


207 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


plete while restricted by the handicap of mystery? If 
such then be thy confession, rapidly unfold the mys¬ 
tery of thine own identity. Truly thou and thy sister 
have reached the limit and two anxious swains await 
with impatience, that which is theirs by all moral and 
natural right, thus, have thee and thy sister the right 
to desire even, to withhold further the betrothal em¬ 
brace and kiss, through the withholding of thine 
identity?” 

From behind the portiere came an uncontrollable 
snicker and at once appeared the other twin, “which 
one, of course”, who had by her own confession lis¬ 
tened to the full dialogue, between her sister and the 
callers and the boys were glad that she had. Now, the 
matter uppermost in their minds was brought irrevo¬ 
cably before the meeting, nothing but a rank refusal 
could now prevent the consummation of the present 
tentative engagement, while that was what the boys 
had come for and were determined to have. 

It cannot be said that the girls objected in the least, 
but the natural propensity of a young maiden to flirt 
a bit, or hector with her male associates, belonged to 
these twin damsels through an inherent right passed 
down from all the ages, thus, it is accepted and con¬ 
doned by each and every generation as time produces 
them, in moral parley, however, only innocent flirta¬ 
tion can be considered. 

Ellis and Jonas each took occasion to pass their 
eyes carefully and searchingly over the entire forms 
of both the maidens, to detect if possible a distinguish¬ 
ing mark, but failed to note any distinction in their 
raiment or personal appearance, apparently nothing 
had been attempted in that line, while they had ex¬ 
pected the girls would effect some visible signs. 

Since the coming of the other twin, conversation 
had been diverted to general subjects concerning re¬ 
cent happenings; all were heartily in accord with 
merrymaking and a dull moment was not allowed to 


208 


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creep in, when all too soon it occurred to the boys that 
it was getting late and the object of that session must 
be put over soon, if at all, on that occasion. 

“Beg pardon, my dear ladies,” said Ellis, “but as 
it is growing late, may I call the attention of the meet¬ 
ing to the principal article in the warrant, the real 
subject for which this session was appointed, i. e., to 
establish a convenient method for identifying or dis¬ 
tinguishing between two parts of a wonderful work 
of nature ? I think it safe to remark that never before 
has nature so completely baffled the discerning pow¬ 
ers of man as in your case. We, Mr. Kent and myself, 
had expected you would favor us upon this occasion 
with some visible distinction in make-up and have 
searched but in vain for the evidence desired.” 

The girls both laughed, when one exclaimed, “and 
you really haven’t discovered any identification sign, 
how dense you are, for surely the sign is out?” 

“Yes,” retorted Jonas, “so are the stars out, but 
we do not know the name of any certain one, as in this 
case, so the maids are out but who is the wiser as to 
who is who?” 

“Well,” spoke up one of them, “I am Bella and of 
course sister is Betty, and now you have it, so simple 
after all this anxious and torturous waiting.” 

“Yes by jove,” cried Jonas, “and we will have it 
right quick, before any mix up can occur to again 
make uncertainty of a certainty.” With action quick¬ 
ly succeeding his words, he jumped across the space 
between them and grabbing Bella around the waist, 
gave and received the betrothal kiss with compound 
interest, while Ellis had not waited to discover how 
they did it, but had taken up the affair with Betty in 
his own good way with equally good results, thus we 
will leave them to devise a permanent way of identi¬ 
fication for use by them hereafter. 

While all this trouble of uncertain identity has 
been in process of adjustment, the people of the neigh- 


209 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


borhood have not been blind to all that has been occu¬ 
pying the thoughts of this worthy quartet. 

Basil and Wesley had known for some time, that 
the twins were not to be left out in the cold, perishing 
in single blessedness, the signs were plenty as to that, 
but they could not narrow the situation down to the 
who is who phase of it and the one did not live that 
could, except the twins themselves, and they not until 
after the die had been cast by the lottery drawing. 

When it became known to Basil and Wesley of how 
the pairs had been made up, the greatest katow ever 
was hilariously celebrated. The parents of all con¬ 
cerned considered it the most wonderful of all won¬ 
ders, that such an apparently absurd process could 
ever be brought to pass, with what was apparently 
bound to prove eminently and satisfactorily the proper 
thing. That it was a case of the most sincere and 
deepest love upon both sides, there was no question 
among all who knew the parties. That there was no 
preference in choice upon either side was the most 
mysterious part of the affair, yet no one expressed a 
doubt that all parties to the contract had been true to 
their convictions, and many years after the same con¬ 
victions obtained, with never a jar or a diminishing in 
the degree or quality of the love, visibly present be¬ 
tween them as finally paired off. 

It was now late in February, with only a few days 
remaining before the date for the holding of the ad¬ 
journed “Alliance” meeting. None of the boys had* 
since returning divulged anything concerning their 
operations while away, except to admit, each one, that 
he had found “his baby” and considered it sat¬ 
isfactory. 

The time had rapidly passed since arriving home, 
with the real matter in hand not now “searching for 
babies,” but in the quite as important matter of secur¬ 
ing a life companion. Before leaving for home the 
“Alliance Boys” knew their fate in that respect, was 


210 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


safe in the community of old Greenville, the girl com¬ 
panions of their school days they well knew furnished 
abundant good timber, from which to select a satisfac¬ 
tory wife, and perhaps believed that she had already 
been selected as has before been intimated. But as 
the reader recalls the lay-out as then made up, it is 
now discovered that in neither case was the previous 
pairing off adhered to in the final make-up, proving, of 
course, that school-day impressions are seldom re¬ 
liable when taking into view, practical considerations 
as viewed by more mature judgment. 

Basil Carter and Janice Kent had no sort of filial 
feeling toward each other during school days, for her, 
it had been Wesley Hart and none other had seemed to 
interest, however, since the return of the boys her in¬ 
tuitive preference had materially changed, moreover, 
Basil had always, as a school boy, considered Betty 
Hart as the ideal, but everyone knew and he also be¬ 
lieved that it was not always Betty that had captivated 
him, as sometimes it was Bella with whom he had un¬ 
expectedly found himself, however, they were more 
distinguishable in school days than later. Soon after 
school days, generally, a more apparent change in sen¬ 
timent is evident than before or later, thus the mate¬ 
rially different effect these young people had upon 
each other upon the return of the boys, from that en¬ 
joyed before they departed, can be easily accounted 
for. As the reader recalls, as almost instantly upon 
the meeting of Wesley and Sybil Carter, they discov¬ 
ered much in common not before realized, the first 
pressure of the hands spoke volumes and thus it is 
that cupid is wont to fire his darts unexpectedly, mys¬ 
teriously, even. While now supposedly his duties are 
complete with our double quartet, all concerned now 
believe he has in each case perfected “a happy al¬ 
liance,” and satisfaction reigns supreme. 

At the meeting of “Triple Alliance” on March first 
18 — under the old oak tree in the pasture lot behind 


211 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


the barn, Basil promptly opened up his report in de¬ 
tail. Of course the reader already has it, but it is un¬ 
folded greatly to the astonishment of both Jonas and 
Wesley. Each had considered he had the “best baby” 
and now—well—some babies are more attractive up¬ 
on the surface than are others. Why not possible a 
difference between these “alliance babies,” none could 
at present divine what might creep into the life of the 
most promising of these “commercial babies,” how¬ 
ever brighter appearing at birth, what may already 
have been decreed for the child to dim its brightness, 
to handicap its usefulness, to restrict its contribution 
to “The Triple Alliance?” 

When Basil had recited his account throughout and 
rested, Jonas remarked: “Well, by jove, Basil, you 
are full owner, practically of a real railroad and so 
soon, it certainly is miraculous, that in less than a 
year you have accomplished so much, I am proud to 
have you as an ally, and I now feel the insignificance 
of my position as your associate. I cannot at this time 
make any such a showing; I have believed that I have 
as nice, robust and productive a ‘Baby/ as either of 
you could describe, but shall have to confess that at 
the starting point the brilliance of mine will become 
overcast by yours in comparison, the final and perma¬ 
nent results, however, in comparison I will not at¬ 
tempt to recount.” 

“Well,” said Basil, “recount what you may have to 
recount, there is no one present to criticise or 
complain.” 

Jonas then proceeded as Basil had done, omitting 
nothing that the reader is already familiar with, add¬ 
ing some essential features that had come to him in 
reports from the old man he had left in charge, re¬ 
garding an option he had taken upon a large herd of 
stock, which would hold good until he returned; also 
a proposition for purchase of his ranch from the Chi¬ 
cago parties, who it will be recalled owned property 


212 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


separated from the river by his ranch, had also been 
referred to in the old man's communications in a de¬ 
precating manner. It now appeared that they had 
endeavored to secure the property from the old man 
some time before, but business relations between them 
had resulted in considerable friction, thus nothing 
could be accomplished and the old man had hinted at 
this before selling. These people had by letter en¬ 
deavored to interest Jonas in a corporation, to be 
formed to embrace the ownership of their two ranches 
and that of his own, but Jonas had not taken kindly to 
their proposition and for several reasons, first, they 
were entire strangers to him, and being two to one, 
he considered he might not always receive fair play, 
moreover, it would mean that only one-third of the 
profits could be applied toward the support of the 
“Triple Alliance," therefore, in all probability he 
could not keep his end up in that direction, anywhere 
in accord with his “alliance associates," thus reason¬ 
ing that it might be much more to his advantage to 
sell and relocate, provided a satisfactory price could 
be obtained. 

Jonas believed he was greatly in the way of his 
neighbors and when they learned that he was to fence 
in his ranch, he believed they would be willing to ac¬ 
cord him a goodly sum, to just step out of their way 
and so give them full access to the river front, without 
trespassing upon another. But these calculations were 
simply prospective and thus were not germain to the 
purpose of this meeting, actualities rather than pros¬ 
pects were to be made, according to the compact be¬ 
tween the boys. 

Wesley and Basil had been much interested in the 
report of Jonas, because it seemed to them to savor 
in a very unusual degree, of persistency and faith as 
demonstrated by Jonas, regarding the possibilities in 
the earning power of his “agricultural baby," for it is 
proper to state that neither could imagine that a baby 


213 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


of this class, could by any possibility be so conditioned 
as to possess the ability, to contribute so greatly to the 
support of “The Triple Alliance/' as either of the 
others. Although Jonas had listened to the flattering 
report of Basil concerning his railroad proposition, it 
can be said in very truth that Jonas possessed no less 
enthusiasm and no more regrets, concerning his se¬ 
lection of agriculture as a “commercial baby," than 
before he had listened to Basil's report; Jonas pos¬ 
sessed a staunch and steady character, his personality 
was one of strength not easily diverted or discouraged, 
the other boys realized this and respected his ability, 
to cope with anything of an adverse nature and none 
would now be against his success in favor of theirs, 
because of these staying qualities. 

It was Wesley’s turn now to interest the meeting 
and both the others, were quite curious about what 
could be said of a “hole in the ground," truly, many 
things have holes in the ground, not the least is per¬ 
haps the traditional “ground hog," whose lordship 
contributes so greatly in aid of “the weather man's" 
predictions, concerning the closing of winter and the 
opening of spring, but Wesley’s “hole in the ground" 
might be a “hole in the ground," or only a place to put 
one, who could tell ? Supposedly a long time is required 
to construct, a properly commercial workable excava¬ 
tion deep below the surface, where nature provided 
man should labor for its treasure. 

Wesley recounted his experiences and the results 
therefrom with more or less of humorous abandon, 
for he was perhaps the j oiliest make-up of the three 
and had extracted much fun from his experiences. 
After Wesley had recited to the meeting what has 
already been recited to the reader, the other boys cried 
out, “Bravo, bravo, so much for a ‘hole in the ground,' 
a ‘baby with a hole descending to millions,' who can 
tell what joy shall come forth from a hole, simply a 
hole, that so greatly enjoys the enmity of the investing 


214 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


public? ‘A hole in the ground’ where millions have 
supposedly been poured and where none have ever 
returned to satisfy the donor thereof, the almost uni¬ 
versally 'black listed investment,’ a complete 'hoodoo,’ 
and here one of our enterprising hopefuls has staked 
his life prospects.” What verdict but one can the 
public safely pronounce upon one so rash? "A fool 
and his money soon part company,” is all the comfort 
that could come Wesley’s way, through an everwise 
and unsympathetic public. 

These unusual boys had known from the start that 
many unfavorable comments had been passed, upon 
their determination to be original, to work out their 
own destiny in a way of their own devising; in so doing, 
others had not been considered by them and should 
a day of sad reckoning come to pass, others should not 
be invited to co-operate in the sad rites of mourning. 

The boys arose and heartily shook each other’s 
hands, when Basil cried out, “Honors are even, by jove, 
and I fully believe they will remain so, I fail to discover 
when all conditions present and prospective are duly 
considered, where either of these ‘interesting babies’ 
have anything on either of the others and my belief 
is truly, that when five years shall have passed, each 
will be equally well able to contribute to the support 
of 'The Triple Alliance.’ ” 

The boys had desired to have copies of their reports 
made for reference and to show to their immediate 
friends and relatives. Ellis having made himself profi¬ 
cient in shorthand had been invited to be present and 
take the full reports as the boys made them, which 
was a proper proceeding and afforded much pleasure 
to the parents of the boys, increasing their confidence 
in their ability to fully make good, also increasing their 
desire to assist them to the extent of their ability 
should they fall in need. 

Basil, especially, needed no further assistance, he 
had further advanced the financial end of “his baby” 


215 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


than had the others, but the others had, and Wesley 
in particular, fallen heir to greater profit from specu¬ 
lation. The result of Jonas's endeavor in that direction, 
however, had not yet fully materialized, but all could 
see that conditions were propitious upon his return 
to the west. 

Ellis had been thoroughly interested in all that had 
been reported and often had broken in with, “Great, 
great, the greatest ever," wishing he also might have 
had a shake in with such boys as those, and predicting 
very unusual careers for all of the “Alliance Members," 
he vowed that the whole proceeding from its inception 
is most extraordinary and original, to the last end of 
the last ditch and is fully worthy of the attention of 
the most eminent financiers, no man or body of men 
have ever carried off bigger game, even from a more 
elaborately constructed or more lengthy attempt," 
adding, that “it will be impossible to declare or predict 
which, as they now stand, may surpass the other and 
I believe it will prove out, 'honors are even.' " 

Basil now suggested that they proceed to incor¬ 
porate and organize, “The Triple Alliance" as contem¬ 
plated a year ago. Remarks pro and con were offered 
concerning which state to incorporate under, where 
should be the headquarters, how shall those headquar¬ 
ters and by whom be managed, thus after a time it 
developed that the central point, when considering the 
location of the different enterprises, would be “Saint 
Louis." As they were to hold all “Alliance Meetings" 
at this office the convenience of it was to locate there, 
and the location being settled, it became easy to settle 
upon the one to have it in charge. 

It will be recalled that Ellis had inherited a good 
business in Saint Louis from an uncle and that was to 
be his permanent home, thus, it had come to pass that 
“A man for the place was discovered, simultaneously 
with a place for the man," so here was another complex 
complexity in alliances, and following very close upon 


216 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


the adjustment of the twin perplexity. Altogether 
speaking, it might prove another perplexity to attempt 
a diagnosis of the relationship, socially and commer¬ 
cially, now existing between these double quartets, 
but we will wait a bit before attempting that, for the 
bonds of relationship are not yet fully complete. The 
reader may wonder how a more complicated line-up 
can be expected, what other possible alliance can be 
brought about, but we shall see, about what we shall 
see. 

The papers for incorporation were duly executed 
and forwarded to the “honorable secretary of state,” 
when after a few days the “Triple Alliance” had begun 
to live in very truth. A meeting of incorporators was 
held and directors elected, after which the directors 
met and chose the officers who were, for president, 
Basil Carter; for vice-president, Jonas Kent; treasurer, 
Wesley Hart; and as the secretary was not neces¬ 
sarily a stock holder, Ellis Slayton was made secretary 
and manager of the office aifairs at Saint Louis. 

Now that business matters were completed, the boys 
began to take themselves off for their stamping 
grounds, deciding to leave as before, all together, on 
the twentieth day of March, only there were now four 
instead of three to go. 

During the time the boys had been home they had 
kept in close touch with the operations at their re¬ 
spective camps and had been satisfied at the way their 
lieutenants had hustled matters along. 

At Basil’s proposition all work had progressed well, 
but the time limit would be overreached before com¬ 
pletion, the winter had been severe and a labor strike 
had seriously interfered with expected results, so that 
now completion could not be expected without consum¬ 
ing an extra month. 

Wesley’s “baby” had made headway quite up to 
expectations. Here there was really no definite time 
allotted for any certain amount of work, at the “Jack- 


217 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


son” it was production from the start, as they were 
all ready to take out ore in the shaft but in a limited 
degree, however, until they were at bottom, but he 
had learned that the equipment had all been placed, 
and also the full equipment for tunnel cutting at “The 
Prohib” was in working order. Seemingly, Wesley was 
nearer to standard production than any of the others. 

Jonas could not be expected to realize from produc¬ 
tion within a year and not greatly for two years, unless 
it be through speculation. He had some business figur¬ 
ing yet to work out before getting into the running 
regularly, in fact, he expected to need more funds to 
equip his ranch with a necessary amount of stock, he 
had several plans in mind and was not quite settled 
which to adopt, he knew he needed “ten thousand 
dollars” at once to invest in young stock, he believed 
his father would furnish “two thousand” of this should 
he ask him, but as the others had needed not to go 
back for more, his pride offered objection to his going 
back. 

Ellis one day broached the subject of financing his 
stock deal, saying he had a few thousand that came 
from his mother’s estate, that was only drawing a 
small interest in bank and he was welcome to use it if 
he cared to. 

Jonas replied that he might later avail himself of 
his kindness, but could not decide just what to do until 
he had returned and looked the affairs over, if he took 
up the option the old man had written about, it might 
come in quite handily. “How would you consider a 
proposition,” asked Jonas, “to place it in stock of a 
corporation, capitalized at say one hundred thousand.” 

“First class,” replied Ellis, “that would be emi¬ 
nently satisfactory to me. The business I am to take 
up is already well capitalized and thus, shall not need 
anything I have on hand for that.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Kent desired to entertain the young 


218 


THE SEARCHERS RETURN 


set before the boys departed and a day was appointed 
for that function, and as the three families were now 
through prospective marriages so closely allied, the 
families of each of “the Alliance” members were also 
invited, altogether assuring a numerous attendance. 


219 


CHAPTER VI 


JONAS SCORES 

At first it had seemed to the girls that they were 
to be dragged almost out of the world, and so far 
distant from each other and their parents, that it 
would seem as being dead each to the other, but when 
it had been explained that once a year they would meet, 
when the men repaired to the office of “The Triple 
Alliance” to round up the year’s transactions, it greatly 
modified the dread. Moreover, they were told that 
it was theirs to visit each other as often as they de¬ 
sired. A full day’s ride would bring them from one 
to another upon a journey to take them all in. Then it 
did not seem to them so drearisome, but they would 
be far away from their parents, and this not so easy 
to overcome, but they had been assured the privilege 
of a visit home once a year and the parents could 
visit them as often. Of course this was an unusual 
case, a wholesale taking off, as it were, of a set of girls 
brought up together and who had always been almost 
as sisters in their intercourse with each other. 

The community had looked upon the case with 
much curiosity, really, with wonderment at the way 
matters had worked out, and would continue interested 
in them after they had become settled in their faraway 
home. Truly, these enterprising boys were certain to 
be kept in mind. The feeling had now departed from 
everybody that they would fail to make good, they 
had already passed the dead line in the estimation of 
all who knew them, for their daring operations thus 
far had established their ability, to handle successfully 
anything they should undertake, thus, it was a question 
no longer, “Will they make good,” but “How good will 
they make it?” 

Upon the morning of departure the houses of Hart, 


220 


JONAS SCORES 


Kent and Carter, were early astir and had needed 
no alarm clock to prompt them, although weeks had 
passed as chumming and visiting had galloped briskly 
along. It seemed now, as being greatly behind the 
schedule it had started in with, much more was to 
be said yet awhile, however, if only the dutious old 
clock would but slacken its swiftly monotonous pace 
a bit, but alas, how could it be so merciless toward 
these tenderly loving hearts? 

Ellis now seemed to them all as but a son and 
brother, there was really no difference apparent, in the 
solicitude of those parents for his welfare than for 
the welfare of the others, and many others than the 
relatives of the departing ones were present as the 
train rolled off. 

The boys continued on together until reaching 
Philadelphia, where they all spent the first night to¬ 
gether, and the following morning all but Basil con¬ 
tinued on together until reaching Saint Louis. Here 
they spent a couple of days looking about and visiting 
the business quarters, that Ellis had recently inherited 
from his uncle and which he was about to take pos¬ 
session of. Arrangements were completed regarding 
the office of “The Triple Alliance,” there would be lit¬ 
tle to do the first year, in fact, all knew there would be 
no contribution to the treasury before the end of the 
following year, and then perhaps not much. 

Wesley was the first to depart. They could jour¬ 
ney together no further, for Wesley was to take a 
northern direction for Kansas City, that being almost 
in due lie to Pueblo, the headquarters for his stamp¬ 
ing ground. Jonas and Ellis would continue until 
reaching Joplin, Ellis's old home. 

The following morning after Wesley left they also 
took their departure, as Jonas was anxious to get to 
his place, the option on the stock would expire in a 
few days and he desired a little time to acclimate him¬ 
self to conditions that might environ his interests. 


221 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Jonas and Ellis when upon the train that day, had 
abundant time to talk over and arrange anything nec¬ 
essary to the organization of a company, should it be 
found advisable to work the business by that method, 
but Jonas did not wish to make definite arrangements 
until he had pulled things together. However, they 
had arranged it so Jonas could rely upon “ten thou¬ 
sand dollars,” should he decide to take up that option. 

The following morning after arriving at Ellis’s 
home, Jonas took leave of Ellis with the understand¬ 
ing that they should meet again before Ellis located 
in Saint Louis. Ellis’s present home being about half 
way between the stamping ground of Jonas and Saint 
Louis, they would not be so far apart that frequent 
visits might not be enjoyed. 

Arriving at Fort Worth that same evening, Jonas 
picked up a paper and soon read of the suicide of a 
ranchman, in a town about twenty-five miles south of 
Forth Worth, but not considering the matter of spe¬ 
cial interest to him soon thought no more of it. 

The next morning quite early, he started for his 
ranch and upon reaching it, the old man he had left 
in charge engaged him in a long conversation, that 
soon created in Jonas an interest in the item he had 
noticed the night before, the old man being especially 
conversant with the situation surrounding the suicide, 
who had leased the ranch he was living upon for a 
good many years, almost considering it as his own, so 
long had he been there. The real owner of it had re¬ 
cently died and the son succeeding had no use for a 
ranch in any capacity, therefore had served notice on 
the ranchman to quit the folowing fall. Old Man Hardy 
had inside information that the young owner was 
going to sell it, further, upon that information the old 
man had obtained a refusal or first chance, whenever 
the time came to sell and a price had been settled upon. 

The suicide had the ranch not largely stocked, in 
fact, a very small stock considering the size, which 


222 


JONAS SCORES 


was “fifteen thousand acres” and located upon the 
same river as Jonas’s present ranch. All this had de¬ 
veloped in the conversation when Jonas inquired, 
“What in the world the old man wanted that ranch 
for, when he had recently sold one to be rid of the bur¬ 
den of it.” The old man had taken this precautionary 
measure in Jonas’s interests, as he said, thinking he 
might have some good friend who could make good 
use of it. 

The old gentleman’s name, of whom Jonas had 
bought his ranch, was Jasper Hardy, and Jonas al¬ 
ready had good reason to believe him an exceptionally 
nice old gentleman, he having taken much more than a 
usual interest in Jonas and his affairs. Conversation 
soon turned to the option the old man had taken upon 
a large number of cattle and sheep. This offering had 
come about through necessity of the owner, who was 
being pressed by his creditors, but by selling this herd 
he could settle and save some other property. 

Jonas and Mr. Hardy decided to look the herd 
over the following day, when Mr. Hardy advised Jonas 
to secure the herd, while Jonas so far as his judgment 
would dictate, considered it at least a safe deal. After 
figuring a while, the prices were up to “twelve thou¬ 
sand dollars” but the old man said he considered the 
herd as it stood easily worth “fifteen thousand”; tne 
owner he said had told him the year before that it was 
easily worth “eighteen thousand,” but it was a case 
of necessity, the sum named for the herd was worth 
more to him right now than much more would be later. 
When the sacrifice had been made, Jonas had the 
price, as before stated, the father of each of the boys 
had donated another “two thousand” as they came 
away, and this, with Ellis’s loan, would pay for the 
stock. Eighty per cent of the herd were cows and 
young stock, three-quarters of the sheep were ewes 
and lambs, the cattle kind altogether numbered a thou¬ 
sand, the sheep kind about fifteen hundred. The trade 


223 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


was consummated within the week and the stock lo¬ 
cated upon “Jonas Kent's ranch." The proportion of 
cattle to sheep was about the same as that of the herd 
he had bought of Mr. Hardy. Thus, now he had about 
twelve hundred of cattle kind, and of sheep about 
eighteen hundred, so here was a comfortable herd for 
Jonas to start out with, but upon the surface of the 
situation Jonas owed considerable money, which to 
some would have lent discouragement. 

Mr. Hardy said, if Jonas desired, he would remain 
with him during the summer, a proposition that great¬ 
ly pleased Jonas, particularly as in the early fall he 
was due to go east and could leave Mr. Hardy in 
charge, feeling greatly safer than leaving all with a 
stranger cowboy. 

A few weeks had passed when it occurred to Jonas 
to begin upon the fencing of three sides of his prop¬ 
erty. When once this was completed it would relieve 
the necessity of providing, so much help to watch the 
herd. 

About a month had passed since beginning the 
fencing, when one day a man appeared while they 
were at dinner. As a matter of course in that coun¬ 
try he was at once invited to join them. Matters of 
general interest were commented upon while the meal 
was in progress, during which it had been discovered 
that the man was from Chicago, while he had discov¬ 
ered that Jonas was from New England, that he had 
recently purchased this ranch and was intending to 
make this section his home. 

Finally the stranger led up to a proposition to join 
a party in Chicago, who owned the two ranches join¬ 
ing Jonas's on the south, and incorporate a company 
to operate the three altogether. 

“But," replied Jonas, “I should be but a minority 
stockholder and my connections are such that I could 
not do that." 

“See here," replied the stranger, “I am authorized 


224 


JONAS SCORES 


to make to you this proposition, with a capitalization 
of “Five Hundred Thousand,” you can have One Hun¬ 
dred and Fifty Thousand for your ranch and stock. 
We will accept the same amount for our two ranches, 
each of equal acreage with yours, including our stock, 
then we will find “Two Hundred Thousand Dollars” 
to further stock and operate the full business, with 
you as an officer of the corporation. This would give 
us as fine a proposition in the ranch line as can be 
found in this country and the business that can be 
done is practically limitless. Now, my friend, is that 
a proposition that one can afford to have get by? I’ll 
venture that never before was one made that was its 
equal. We admit that you have a good property and 
that it is especially well located, while because of cer¬ 
tain features co-existent with its geographical posi¬ 
tion, it will greatly enhance the value of our property 
when united with it, and because of this, we make you 
this unprecedented proposition. Now, my friend, 
think the matter over for a few days, so great a 
change in your plans cannot be properly decided in a 
day. I am going over into Arizona to return the latter 
part of next week. This will allow you ample time to 
think the matter over.” 

“I shall probably not think much about it,” Jonas 
replied. “As I said before, I should be largely in the 
minority and with absolute strangers. Were the prop¬ 
osition made to parties in acquaintance, who were not 
at all handicapped by other connections, it certainly 
would be worthy of acceptance.” 

“But,” replied the other, “mayhap your other con¬ 
nections are not as valuable to you as this one will 
prove to be. You are out for the best you can get, are 
you not? Our people are familiar with ranch opera¬ 
tions, much more so than you can consider yourself to 
be, therefore here is another advantage that will ac¬ 
crue to your benefit. Well, give the matter serious 
thought, Mr. Kent, and I will see you later.” 


8 


225 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Jonas and Mr. Hardy were each day so busy that 
nothing was said regarding the stranger's call, other 
than alluding to it in a general way. Jonas had said 
nothing to him concerning the proposition made to 
him, as that was a private matter entirely. 

The days wore on and so did the fencing work, 
which was going to prove out quite a lengthy job, for 
three sides of ten thousand acres is a long way from 
home, and Jonas was having a good job done, always 
quoting that “anything worth doing at all, is worth 
well doing." Hardly before he realized it, the stranger 
again appeared just as they came forth from 
breakfast. 

“Ah," cried Jonas, “guess somebody got left this 
trip, the neighbors were a bit slack in sending in the 
morning repast and there was scarcely sufficient to 
properly go around?" 

“Ha, ha, ha," roared the stranger, “but it is you 
that is left with hunger yet abroad, just climb into the 
rear end there and I will soon dump you into the back 
yard of my hotel. There seemed to be quite a bite left 
over that found its way out the back door just before I 
took possession of this transportation rig. Indeed, I 
much prefer you would ride over and get a belly full. 
An empty or unsatisfied stomach is unpropitious for 
any satisfactory transaction of business." 

“Yes, I suppose it may be," retorted Jonas, “but 
as no business is likely to be transacted between us, it 
does not promise to be of special interest to you. Per¬ 
sonally, I can get on quite well until the neighbors 
once more contribute their mite to the hungry 
multitude." 

This sally of Jonas had not altogether pleased the 
stranger, whose smile was but a contradiction to his 
anxious and disturbed countenance and the smile 
would not come off. 

Pulling himself together finally, the stranger anx¬ 
iously remarked: “But say, Mr. Kent, you do not 


226 


JONAS SCORES 


confess to having absolutely turned down, the royal 
opportunity that I placed in your young pathway, in¬ 
credible that a young man can so ignore the chance 
of his life as to decide adversely? Why, man, it is un¬ 
imaginable and really cannot be.” 

“But,” retorted Jonas, “it is not only imaginable 
but the fact, in very truth, I cannot join you.” 

“Have you any proposition to make in return?” was 
the query. “Truly it is but fair when refusing a prop¬ 
osition that makes for your own advantage, to offer 
one in return that a possible compromise might result 
to our mutual advantage.” 

“No,” replied Jonas, “I have none to make, having 
no interest in any change of my present plans.” 

“Would you consider the sale of your property at a 
reasonable figure?” inquired the stranger. 

“Really,” was the reply, “I do not care to make 
any change whatsoever. I have just bought in here 
with the decided intention of making it my permanent 
location for business. I have traveled far in the at¬ 
tempt to locate a satisfactory ranch, and this is the 
only one that had in all respects pleased me. I con¬ 
sider it ‘my baby' and am decidedly opposed to part¬ 
ing with my pet.” 

“Will you consider granting us a right of way suf¬ 
ficient for our stock to reach the river? Inasmuch, as 
you are now fencing, we cannot reach water and will 
grant you any fair consideration for this right.” 

“I could not think of dividing my property. That 
certainly would result in frequent handicap, no man 
would consent to that and you would not were our po¬ 
sitions reversed.” 

“Now see here, young man,” retorted the other, 
“we are not expecting you to sacrifice anything in our 
behalf and don't ask you to. We are able and willing 
to compensate liberally for all that you may grant us, 
but for the moment place yourself in our position and 
think how you might regard us, when we should re- 


227 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


fuse absolutely to assist you out of a predicament, 
when it had been made to our advantage to do so. You 
will neither amalgamate, sell, offer any proposition, 
nor even grant a small right of way, when either prop¬ 
osition will compensate you liberally. You simply 
occupy the position of a very obstinate mule. Now as 
between man and man, have you any moral right to 
act thus, when by such action you are working a de¬ 
cided injury to another?” 

“My dear sir,” retorted Jonas, “your accusation 
is in a measure just, in making it, however, you can¬ 
not know my reasons and how any change in my 
plans will affect my connections, as months may pass 
before I can locate another property so satisfactory 
for my purposes. The only one of your propositions I 
will consider anyway, is the one to purchase outright, 
and you must believe that with all I have told you, it 
will require much money to satisfy me in parting with 
‘my baby’, but that you may not say that I have abso¬ 
lutely blocked your pathway in this direction, thereby 
causing you an irreparable damage, I will sell the 
ranch alone, not including stock or tools, upon a cash 
sale at ten dollars per acre.” 

“Mercy on us, Mr. Kent,” cried the other, “I had 
thought perhaps after what you had said, that you 
might name us high as six, and had you, think we 
might have come together, but lordy Harry, where 
in the world do you expect to go to when you die?” 

“I don’t expect to go anywhere in the world,” 
was the reply, “shall have done with locating here at 
that date.” 

“Well, Mr. Kent, I will undertake to get our peo¬ 
ple to give you six,” replied the stranger. 

“And I,” retorted Jonas, “refuse to dicker at all 
and without prompt acceptance will withdraw my 
offer to sell, you know very well I prefer to retain 
the property.” 

“But,” replied the other, “you will allow me suf- 


228 


JONAS SCORES 


ficient time to communicate with my associates? Of 
course, I cannot conclude so rank a deal without 
their knowledge and consent.” 

“Yes, I know,” replied Jonas, “you can have ten 
days to decide and close the trade in. Should thirty 
days be necessary to assemble the money, I will 
agree to that, but remember, if the deal is to be 
made, a deposit of ten per cent shall be made during 
the ten days next following this day of our Lord.” 

Jonas now held up the fencing for a few days, as 
if his proposition was accepted. No fence would be 
desired, in fact, it might prove an incumbrance. He 
had no doubt but that they would secure the prop¬ 
erty, for how could they do otherwise? He was de¬ 
cidedly a menace to their interests, was in their way, 
and at any cost must be removed. 

Mr. Hardy was now appraised of the happen¬ 
ings, although he had enjoyed his suspicions of what 
might have been in the wind. He well knew that in 
due time Jonas would communicate what he desired 
to concerning any matter, being much pleased that 
Jonas had sufficient confidence in himself, to decide 
matters without seeking advise from others, know¬ 
ing this to be the only really safe way for anyone to 
adopt. As he often said, “He without sufficient self- 
reliance will drift astray, before the fickle and unbe¬ 
coming winds of human nature.” 

Mr. Hardy had long before this discerned in 
Jonas many traits that served to please him; the way 
he had handled that Chicago man had greatly in¬ 
creased his respect for Jonas's ability, as a safe and 
self-protecting business man. 

At the expiration of the ten days allotted for bind¬ 
ing the property sale, the mail brought a letter of ac¬ 
ceptance, enclosing a “banker’s check” for the re¬ 
quired deposit, demanding the full thirty days in 
which to complete the deal. Thus Jonas now found 
himself relieved of his “baby,” as he mused, a big 


229 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


step backward, now what provision could he make 
toward the support of the “Triple Alliance ?” What 
would his associates think of such a turn in affairs, 
but on the other hand he would be much to the good 
through the transaction. It behooved him, however, 
to again go in search of “another baby” and get busy 
at it at once. 

That evening Jonas and Mr. Hardy held a post¬ 
mortem over the departure of his pet and decided, 
that Mr. Hardy should place himself in communica¬ 
tion with his authority, regarding the information he 
had received of the proposed sale of “Suicide 
Ranch,” all of which in about a week Mr. Hardy had 
succeeded in doing. Soon thereafter, Jonas was put 
in communication with the young new owner of that 
property, who had given the notice that had resulted 
in the suicide of the lessee. 

The letter from the young man stated that, “In¬ 
asmuch as the lessee has suicided, no contract now 
exists that can longer hold the property, and I will be 
very glad to close it out promptly, and to do this, 
will accept any reasonable proposition making the 
terms satisfactory to the purchaser,” so here was the 
situation in a nutshell. 

The present owner was a wild young chap, who 
never had been restrained, and therefore naturally 
became a spendthrift. It would make very little dif¬ 
ference with his future, whether or not he received 
full value for this property, as he would “fire it all,” 
anyway. 

Mr. Hardy and Jonas talked the matter over as 
to the actual value of that land, which did not imply 
that Jonas would not attempt the usual tactics of 
purchasing, at as small a figure as possible. It was 
finally decided between them, that taken as a whole, 
considering location, immediate environments and 
improvements as they stood, a fair valuation as a 
workable proposition, was six dollars per acre for 
the fifteen thousand acres. 

230 


JONAS SCORES 


Jonas told Mr. Hardy he would himself take up 
the matter with the owner. To this Mr. Hardy read¬ 
ily assented, preferring Jonas should consummate 
his own bargains. Jonas preferred the owner should 
name his own price, then he could take it or leave it 
or make his return proposition. After several letters 
had passed between them, the owner suggested they 
leave the price to some disinterested parties to ap¬ 
praise, but Jonas insisted, that would occupy several 
days' time and he must know at once. Finally the 
owner insisted Jonas make him a lump sum offer. 

Tired of the endeavor to obtain a price, Jonas as 
a starter named fifty thousand dollars cash pay¬ 
ment as soon as deed was ready. 

Jonas could now meet this payment, as the time 
allotted the purchasers of his ranch had now ex¬ 
pired and he had received his money, and as he must 
at once vacate his former property, it was essential 
that this other one be rapidly acquired. 

Upon receiving the proposition from Jonas, the 
owner did not wait for a letter to go through, but 
wired its acceptance at once, stating “deed will be 
mailed this night for collection by my bank," and the 
second day thereafter, Jonas was in full possession 
of his “new baby," and the following day, the move¬ 
ment of his stock was in progress. 

The “new baby" was located about twenty miles 
below the first one on the Brazos river, and same as 
the other one, being bounded upon one side by the 
river. Thus, he was as well fixed regarding water as 
before, while there was a matter of three hundred 
acres already broken to the plough and partly 
fenced in. 

To cast up where he was at, Jonas begun by tak¬ 
ing the payment he had made for the “first baby." 
He had purchased it for “thirty thousand dollars." 
He had paid two thousand on the price and two 
thousand for the stock. To do this he had borrowed 


231 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


temporarily from Bert five hundred. There had 
been a mortgage on the land of ten thousand and 
now the fact was, he owed Mr. Hardy “Eighteen 
thousand/’ Bert “five hundred,” and a ten thou¬ 
sand mortgage, all amounting to “twenty eight 
thousand five hundred dollars.” He had sold the 
first property for “one hundred thousand,” thus 
the whole deal complete had left Jonas “seventy- 
one thousand five hundred dollars, with what was 
considered three thousand dollar’s worth of 
stock. Then he had a loan of ten thousand from 
Ellis, with which he had placed the two thousand 
from his father and purchased under the option Mr. 
Hardy has taken, the large herd for “twelve thou¬ 
sand dollars,” while this was known to be easily 
worth “fifteen thousand.” Now the footing dis¬ 
closed a net profit in property and cash of “seventy- 
five thousand five hundred dollars.” “Who can 
say that is so very bad?” mused Jonas. But to go 
further, the “new baby” had cost “fifty thou¬ 
sand,” when the consensus of opinion among ranch¬ 
men in general was, that considering the improve¬ 
ments there present, ten dollars an acre was an 
easy mark. Thus Jonas finds himself possessed of 
land valued at one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars, stock and tools eighteen thousand five 
hundred, and cash sixteen thousand, after return¬ 
ing his father’s loan. He yet held the ten thousand 
contributed by Ellis, which was intended for stock 
in a corporation that Jonas now proceeded to form. 
He had matters now where he could know what he 
wished to do. 

Jonas had written his old friend of the railroad 
wreck, Mr. Shelby, all about what he had done and 
what he proposed to do, as he had planned, stating 
in the last letter that he desired one more stockhold¬ 
er who might become a director, to make up the 
legal quota, adding, that he did not need the money, 


232 


JONAS SCORES 


but would be pleased to have him take a little of the 
stock to legally equip him to serve as a director, say 
one thousand to five thousand, as he chose. He knew 
Mr. Shelby was retired and did not intend to enter 
business again, but preferred to have him to any 
other he knew, who was properly financially 
equipped. As Mr. Shelby’s home was in Saint Louis, 
he could be in close touch with what was happening 
through Ellis, who would also become ‘'secretary of 
the Ranch Company,” and should matters of legal 
import require transaction, Ellis and Mr. Shelby, 
being a majority, could transact them without the 
presence of Jonas, or the necessity of their going to 
Fort Worth, where Jonas was to be located. 

A reply to the last letter of Jonas brought from 
Mr. Shelby, a hearty acceptance of his proposition, 
with a check for the Five Thousand involved, saying 
that “himself and mother had been more than inter¬ 
ested in his several letters,” further adding, “No 
man shall tell us that we made any mistake when 
sizing you up. When you are domestically located, 
we are to make you a voluntary visit, my boy, ex¬ 
pecting to find within your gates, a lady well worthy 
of your grand steel, believing that no other than a 
worthy one could gain entrance under your keen 
perception,” closing with “God bless you, my boy, 
the marks of success are already stamped upon 
your brow.” 

While the papers were being prepared for in¬ 
corporation, Jonas was very busy at the ranch in get¬ 
ting the tillage land as far as possible quickly 
seeded. It was a little late for some crops, thus he 
applied his attention to the later ones. 

The suicide had done most of the ploughing and 
had a few acres of wheat and oats in, when he had 
received his notice to quit and did quit. He had been 
living alone for nearly a year since the death of his 
wife and concerning relatives, no one knew that he 


233 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


had any. He had left about a thousand dollars’ 
worth of stock, which had now become mixed with 
the herd Jonas had just placed there, but being 
branded could easily be separated should occasion 
require, but of course, Jonas would purchase the 
bunch when a bona-fide owner should appear. 

The “Triplet Herding Company” was now in¬ 
corporated. As usual the incorporators were dum¬ 
mies, who subsequently met and chose a board of di¬ 
rectors, who were Jonas Kent, Ellis Slayton and Dun¬ 
can Shelby. From the number of stockholders the 
corporation took its name. The company was cap¬ 
italized at One Hundred Thousand Dollars, divided 
into one thousand shares at One Hundred Dollars 
each, of which Jonas held eight hundred fifty, Ellis 
one hundred and Mr. Shelby fifty, thus giving Jonas 
eight-five per cent with which to earn his contribu¬ 
tion to “The Triple Alliance.” Jonas had really 
turned in fifty per cent more value in property, than 
the par value of his stock. Nearly all the working 
capital then available had been supplied by Ellis 
and Mr. Shelby. While they had paid the par value 
for their stock, Jonas had actually allowed a great 
deal more than that for his, which, of course, had 
been made in the several profitable transactions 
that he had consummated, and who can say Jonas 
Kent had been dishonest or even dishonorable in the 
smallest degree? He had, to be sure, made use of 
thoroughly business methods, no philanthropy had 
been practiced, as he had bought at as low a figure 
as possible and he had sold at a high figure. It was 
simply his good fortune that he had dropped down 
in someone’s way, and that good fortune had led up 
to the go-happy position, of possessing “the where- 
withall” to satisfy the spendthrift owner of the 
suicide ranch. Jonas had been asked to make a prop¬ 
osition and he made it, really not believing it would 


234 


JONAS SCORES 


be accepted without some dicker, but when it was, 
he simply had to take the property over. 

Jonas now had matters at the ranch in good 
working order. Mr. Hardy and wife were running 
the house, while Jonas and several of the help were 
boarders with them. This arrangement had been 
made for a year, when, as the Hardys retired as 
they had intended to, Jonas expected to find a prop¬ 
er couple to succeed them. It had never been his 
intention to reside out on the plains, his intentions 
had been to take a place in the city of Fort Worth, 
either by lease or purchase, for he could not even 
think of placing Bella out in a comparative wilder¬ 
ness, with her young and vivacious personality. Ah, 
no, the city must be hers and where she could not 
know a lonely moment, when most of his time would 
necessarily be spent out upon the ranch, which was 
about a one-hour ride from the city. Thus he could 
commute and remain in the city whenever it pleased 
him to do so. 

As about two-thirds of the time before Jonas was 
to go east again had now passed, he decided to visit 
Fort Worth and look the city over, to determine, if 
possible, what section of the city was best suited to 
his tastes and what he should consider, would best 
please his Bella as a location for their home. Jonas 
was a bit fastidious concerning this phase of their 
case, as he was naturally a home man, regarding 
home as about all there is in life, after declaiming 
to himself, “my home shall be my castle and there 
will I remain whenever possible, to enjoy the en¬ 
chantment created through the good fortune, of pos¬ 
sessing an attractive and loving wife.” 

Monday morning the first train into the city de¬ 
livered Jonas Kent at the Union Station, and soon 
he was out for a day's walk. This was an occasion 
where “hoofing it” seemed to be the thing to do, as 
he was out to do the city in detail. He might occa- 


235 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sionally take a trolley to help out, but he desired to 
know the city as there were many good sections, but 
none without some objection from his standpoint, at 
least, he did not consider himself wealthy and thus 
he was handicapped a bit, when considering some 
of the large places that met his view, and yet, what 
for did he and Bella desire an overgrown palace? 
No, they did not, a medium-sized cosy home should 
properly be theirs, and he wished it upon somewhat 
of an elevation. 

When nearing late afternoon, he noticed a hill, or 
seemingly a hill, about a mile away. He soon crossed 
to the next block where a trolley line passed and in due 
time reached the neighborhood of that hill. It had 
not been greatly built up, in fact, a part of it was but 
a “cow pasture,” and this the highest part, here was 
a tract of about ten acres. As he stood there gazing 
about in all directions over the city, the idea of buy¬ 
ing anything in that crowded city seemed at once re¬ 
pulsive to Jonas Kent. “No,” he said, “here is the 
place to pitch my tent and here is the place to live. 
Why have the citizens of that city elected to stall them¬ 
selves? What sane reason should dictate that, when 
here is abundant air and sunshine just as doled out by 
the God of nature, entirely free from the contamina¬ 
tion of the city through the beastly habits of depraved 
men? No more of that for me. A country home, in¬ 
deed, but adjacent to the company of a city and its im¬ 
provements. Here I will build my castle and here I 
will install my Bella, if possible to secure this plot of 
ground.” 

With such intent uppermost in his mind, Jonas 
sauntered forth in quest of the owner of that “cow 
pasture.” Having finally located him, it was rather 
late to attempt to reach him that day, and he conclud¬ 
ed to remain overnight and take an early start. 

At the hotel that evening he fell to talking with a 
man, who happened to be a resident of the section he 


236 


JONAS SCORES 


had been so taken with. He took occasion to extract 
from the stranger some points regarding this eleva¬ 
tion, and discovered that the present owner was a pe¬ 
culiar sort of man, practically a hermit and one who 
had become very much opposed to the human family 
in general, in fact, had sworn off dealing with any 
person whatsoever, unless absolutely necessary in ob¬ 
taining supplies. 

Here, then, was something of a dilemma that might 
daunt some, but Jonas just became eager to encounter 
that man, believing he could conquer his aversion to 
man, at least so far as he was concerned. He did not 
live in the hill section, but upon the opposite side of 
the city in a little old house built a couple of genera¬ 
tions before. 

Mid-forenoon of the following day Jonas ap¬ 
proached the gate opening into the hermit's dooryard, 
and before he had taken many steps forward, a little 
full-bearded elderly man appeared in the doorway, 
greeting Jonas with, “Here, young man, do you not 
realize that you are a trespasser?" 

“Ha, ha, ha," roared Jonas, “I guess not, my good 
old friend, I never do such things and you might know 
that I dont. Don't you see, my good friend, that no no¬ 
tice is posted hereabouts to warn one that he might be 
trespassing after entering that gate ? Can you expect a 
man to break a law before a law has been enacted and 
before the people have been advised of it, what legal 
or moral code could obtain among the affairs of men 
were such a condition in vogue? You, my friend, may 
not like the human family particularly well, but to re¬ 
tain a particle of self-respect, you have to consider the 
moral right of others to live, if upon their own re¬ 
sources, and to live, means freedom to course wher¬ 
ever they are not forbidden, simply this, my good 
friend, you had to post your notice before I entered, 
to prove me a trespasser, and now I am here, what are 
you going to do about it? I have come not to bring 


237 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


war, but just a fellow greeting. Are you so uncivil 
and devoid of all self-respect, that you cannot welcome 
me as a ‘stranger within your gates/ to whom de¬ 
cency, simply decency, is always due?” 

“Stop, stop, stop, right where you are, listen, listen, 
while I tell you that the Lord God A’mighty never be¬ 
fore created so nervy, conceited, outrageously impu¬ 
dent a cuss as you. There is nothing derogative and hu¬ 
miliating to a fellow, that you, with your saucy tongue, 
cannot remind him of. I really believe you have told 
more truths concerning myself than ever before I 
have listened to. You have argued your position com¬ 
plete. Your logic has been perfect and I concede your 
points, every one. Grasp my hand if you will and then 
advise me of what I can do to serve you. My God, I 
have never before met your sort and am loath to con¬ 
sider it as but a dream.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” again roared Jonas, “I am heartily 
glad that you are again coming back to your own. You 
have strayed away from yourself, my good friend, 
none have injured you other than yourself and I can 
see, that the light of reason is now beginning to shine 
through your warped intellect. You have been a brute 
to yourself, my man, now take my hand please, and 
happily say, that you will arise from the slough of de¬ 
spond and suspicion, to once again become a man as 
becomes a creature that has claimed the attention of 
the Almighty sufficient to create him. Do you not as 
a ‘God-made image/ recognize any obligation to others 
of the same creation? You have to admit that you 
came through Adam and that Adam produced two 
kinds, do you then wish to be compared with the Cain 
breed ? I am sure you do not, my good friend, and now, 
that it is under peculiar coincidences that we have be¬ 
come good friends, pray tell, are we to remain so? 
Truly, you do not wish it otherwise and I will endeavor 
to prevent my coming from being to you a dream.” 

“Right you are, my young friend, right you are in 


238 


JONAS SCORES 


every pose of your attack upon me. No longer will I live 
the life of the hermit and will pray God to send you 
often, to send the new light through as you have al¬ 
ready begun.” 

“Well, Mr. Burnett, I thank you for your kind con¬ 
sideration and am pleased, that I am no longer to be 
considered a trespasser. Now to the purpose of my 
visit, if you will. I came to inquire concerning a 
property that I am told belongs to you, aye, the pas¬ 
ture lot on yonder hill. You have inquired as how you 
might serve me, not, however, to take any undue ad¬ 
vantage or our unmistakable friendship, I would be 
much pleased to learn if you will consider me as a 
prospective purchaser. I have recently become inter¬ 
ested in a sizable ranch a little way out, and being 
about to take a bride from the far east, my own native 
heath, have conceived the idea that a good place to 
locate her would be upon that sightly rise.” 

“Yes, yes,” replied the old man, “I greatly admire 
your judgment and were I to take a wife, should like 
to place her there. Yes, I do own that pasture and 
have many a time been importuned to part with it, but 
never have seriously regarded it. Why, I do not really 
know, other than I have not needed the money it 
might bring me. One man seemed to badly want it, 
but I consider him too mean a cuss to be allowed to 
own as good as that. But, my friend, for you, after 
having stated your desire to make for yourself a home, 
I will name a price and it shall not be a prohibitive 
one. There are ten acres in the plot and you shall own 
it upon the exchange of ‘five thousand dollars/ pay¬ 
able one-half cash, with the balance in a note payable 
when you may desire.” 

“Shall this note be secured by mortgage?” Jonas 
inquired. 

“No, indeed not,” replied the other. “I have got 
more than ‘Twenty-five Hundred' worth of confidence 


239 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


in you, my boy, I hope you take the property and shall 
delight to see you living there.” 

The stranger with whom Jonas had talked at the 
hotel regarding the pasture lot, had said the property 
was worth “eight to ten thousand dollars,” but it was 
what Jonas wanted, and for what he really wanted, he 
was not one to consider the splitting of hairs, he con¬ 
sidered nothing too good and too costly when con¬ 
nected with his Bella. Thus, a lawyer was directed 
to fix up the papers, while Jonas temporarily bor¬ 
rowed “Twenty-five Hundred” from the “herding 
company” treasury, to make in full the prompt pay- 
payment. After securing the deed, he at once hiked 
for an architect to prepare plans and specifications, 
for a house costing about ten thousand dollars, not a 
large structure but nice in every respect, and every¬ 
body must hustle, for less than three months now re¬ 
mained before the time he should need it, if he were to 
take Bella to her new home immediately upon his re¬ 
turn from the eastern trip, which, however, might be 
prolonged a little should the house be not quite 
complete. 

While he remained, he spent much of the time at 
the office of the architect, both to hasten as much as 
possible the preparation of the plans and to counsel 
with the architect, regarding special features that he 
desired should be incorporated. In three weeks the 
plans were ready for the contractors and the success¬ 
ful bidder was soon upon the job, under contract for 
completion October the twentieth. 

It was now the twenthy-fifth of August and Jonas 
planned to go east upon September first, intending to 
stop a few days with Mr. Shelby in Saint Louis and 
also to visit some with Ellis before they should depart. 

Ellis had now taken possession of his inheritance, 
which included his uncle’s nice residence, thus he was 
well provided with a home for his coming bride, and 
was much elated at what Jonas had told, him concern- 


240 


JONAS SCORES 


ing his home arrangements. Thus it appeared that 
neither of the twins would have anything on the other, 
as both were to have nice homes all provided in ad¬ 
vance of their coming. 

Letters thick and fast had traveled between the 
lovers, but not a word of what was being done for 
their homes was written to the girls. This matter was 
intended by the boys to serve as a surprise upon their 
arrival, while they joyously anticipated this feature of 
the coming event. 

Jonas was royally entertained by the Shelbys, not 
enough could be done for his pleasure and comfort, 
however, he was required to promise that upon his 
return, a few days with his bride must be spent with 
them. 

Ellis had now become acquainted with the good 
Shelby people, and the fact that he was to marry the 
twin sister of Jonas's fiancee, greatly excited their in¬ 
terest in him and they frequently alluded to the whole 
proceeding, as the most unique and original combina¬ 
tion of elements, all through, that the agency of man 
had ever constructed, in fact, some phases of the case 
seemed to them upon its face ridiculous, and even im¬ 
possible, yet considering the honorable and persistent 
personality involved, in the personnel of the different 
enterprises, they now doubted not the final success of 
“The Triple Alliance," declaring they should watch 
the affair with greater interest, than any that ever had 
come under their observation. 

The boys remained in St. Louis longer than they 
had intended, because of the interest and courtesy 
shown them by the Shelbys, nearly two weeks having 
passed before they were off. 

Jonas had inspected everything in which Ellis was 
interested and was glad, indeed, to note the excellent 
home he had awaiting the coming of Betty Hart, his 
interest in whom being practically as great as in Bella. 
Neither of the boys could account for this double in- 


241 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


terest existing between themselves and these twins, 
and yet they could more easily solve this unnatural 
situation than the position of the twins toward them, 
for really they were different, as they must be of 
course, and only one explanation seemed at all perti¬ 
nent to them. Mrs. Hart had said, “Always, the girls 
have seemed to possess the same likes and dislikes re¬ 
garding acquaintances, if one likes a person so does 
the other, and it has been generally so with everything 
else,” adding, “it has seemed a dual personality in 
very truth, ever since they were old enough to begin 
to notice things.” 

Even now the boys knew they could not in certain¬ 
ty identify the girls, should the girls persist in adorn¬ 
ing themselves alike. The situation seemed ridiculous 
and absolutely an absurd one, while mayhap the read¬ 
er has so considered it from the very first, but never¬ 
theless, the situation was a real one and true as be¬ 
tween these four individuals, but Mr. and Mrs. Shelby 
had remarked that they believed after a day’s ac¬ 
quaintance, they could distinguish between the girls, 
while Ellis and Jonas had their doubts. 

Since the last parting all of the boys had often 
communicated with each other, greatly more in detail 
than had they during their previous separation, but 
had not entered into details regarding their construc¬ 
tive affairs, only generalizing regarding conditions 
and prospects, as might be usually done between any 
acquaintances operating separate interests. 

“The Triple Alliance” did not in any degree be¬ 
come possessed of the property acquired by each mem¬ 
ber. It was not, and could not under the compact, be¬ 
come interested in property ownership, the profit from 
each business, only, was involved. Thus one might 
possess a much greater property value than another, 
without contributing more largely or even as great to 
“The Triple Alliance,” it being that some enterprises 
have a greater earning power than do others, the asset 


242 


JONAS SCORES 


value of each individual in the “Alliance” being the 
value of the stock he holds, reduced to one-third of the 
sum total, available for an equal and equitable division. 

Jonas and Ellis were off on the morrow for the 
east, intending to stop off a few days and look Basil 
over, and a day or two before starting had wired Basil 
to that effect, demanding a reply if he would be there 
to receive them; if receiving no reply would consider 
he already had gone to New England and continue on 
without stopping. Thus we now have them on the run, 
but where is Wesley? 


243 


CHAPTER VII 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE “YANKEE” 

Wesley, after leaving Jonas and Ellis in St. Louis, 
made a rapid trip through to Pueblo. Arriving at sta¬ 
tion he was met upon the platform by the engineer, 
whom he hadjemployed to lay out his work at the 
mines. He accidentally happening to be there present, 
was greatly surprised and also as greatly pleased to 
see Wesley, and they were shaking hands very heartily 
when the engineer shouted: 

“Ah, ha, and here again is that ‘Incorrigible 
Yankee/ I’ll be bound but it is refreshing to see you. 
No bad luck has come your way I’ll wager upon the 
expression of that trim countenance. Ah, ha, my boy, 
yours is a lucky star indeed, you go east and you come 
west, all is ever the same, a kind fate ever dogs your 
footsteps, making of your life a charmed one. A clear 
conscience reigns within your personality. No accus¬ 
ing factions foully cross your pathway, for you have 
been a man, always a man. But say, it’s great, it’s 
great, I tell you it’s monstrous great.” 

“Well, well,” cried Wesley, “what is great, have 
you simply gone luny? Tell me quick. I am not great 
but much smaller than you, both mentally and physi¬ 
cally, what mean you, then, you most natural scion of 
the wild and woolly west? Ha, ha, ha,” roared they 
both. 

“How is the diggin’s, old fellow?” cried Wesley. 
“That’s what may be great, in my estimation.” 

“Yes, yes,” retorted the other, “that’s it, that’s it, 
that’s what I’m a trying to beat into your slowly 
grasping intellect. Great heaven, man, when down to 
the bottom of the Jackson and drift in a way, what 
do they find there, but money, money in buckets full. 
Why man alive, nothing hereabouts has even touched 4 

m 


244 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


one side of that Jackson ‘hole in the ground/ and it's 
because it is yours, no other man’s luck would ever 
have made it what it is.” 

“No, no,” cried Wesley, “I will not allow you to 
run on this way, as it is not luck at all. That business 
is a gamble that requires other than luck to develop, 
the three elements called judgment, nerve and money 
are all that are necessary in developing ‘God’s great 
gift to man/ the ground is but the storehouse, the 
bounty ‘a kindness to man/ endowed upon him by 
Almighty God at the date of the creation. One has no 
moral right to involve with man’s conscientious and 
persistent endeavor, anything so pernicious as a game 
termed ‘luck/ which is only synonymous of, and con¬ 
tributory to, ‘rank shiftlessness.’ No, my friend, I 
will not be a party to anything that smells of that scent. 
Glad to have met you, my friend, and may need you 
again in a few days, ‘The Prohib’ is not discouraging 
I suppose?” 

“Ah, ha, ha,” roared the other,- “no more news 
here, goodnight.” 

Upon reaching the hotel, and the register by Wes¬ 
ley, the clerk cried out in surprise: 

“Well, well, how are you, how are you, but my God, 
my God, are you not a lucky dog! A Yankee for mine 
each time and always. Say, my man, you have some¬ 
thing great coming.” 

Wesley soon visited the dining-room, to repair the 
ravages the long ride had made upon his stomach, and 
seating himself at the farther end of the lobby, was 
soon musing upon the wild and excitable statement of 
his friend, the engineer, when a sharp slap upon the 
shoulder, accompanied by a loud laugh and salute of 
“A Yankee, a Yankee, yes, yes, a d—d Yankee for 
mine,” cried Mr. Yates. “How did fate discover that 
you were the one to bring order out of chaos and to 
make this old earth disgorge, disgorge, I say, from its 
hidden bowels, the very cream of wealth it has so self- 


245 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ishly and persistently stuck fast to all these years, 
and in spite of the earnest and laborious work of man, 
you, I say, you alone, have been able to uncover this 
large tonnage of wealth. ,, 

“Hold your horses, my good friend,” cried Wesley, 
“have you all gone insane since I departed. I have 
listened to but little since I arrived in town, that did 
not savor of intense lunyism. Now tell me, pray, of 
what is it all about, that has so affected the staid and 
the true ?” 

“Well said, my young man,” replied the other, “the 
old town has well nigh gone agog, I confess, at what 
you are responsible for in opening up that pair of 
‘holes in the ground/ That pair of ‘Yankee holes’ are 
sufficient, even this far developed, to turn the common 
flow of avarice in man into a flood-tide stream. Twenty 
feet down after striking good ore they drift out two 
opposite ways twenty-five feet and thus far, are into 
the richest deposit yet struck in this section, assayed 
to run sixty per cent silver with remainder gold, in a 
dirt containing fifteen per cent mineral. Now, you see, 
my boy, here is around two hundred dollars for each 
ton of hoisted ore dirt; now this for old Jackson, sure¬ 
ly ‘those horrid spooks’ were not greatly to be blamed, 
for rigidly guarding such treasure as that.” 

“Well,” inquired Wesley, “how is ‘old Prohib,’ have 
they cut into her bowels much yet, and if so, how does 
she feel about it, anything worth groveling for? By 
jove, I have been expecting she would open rather 
grand, or is she going to be true to her name and 
‘prohibit’ the disturbance of her sacred treasure, being 
unwilling to help out that ‘poor Yankee’ in assisting to 
satisfy his wicked avarice. Think you not, Friend 
Yates, that she will come in on that?” 

“I really can’t tell you much about that,” was the 
reply, “they have plunged into her quite a ways, but 
Jack Loon is the one man to furnish information that 
may be relied upon. I think they have run into good 


246 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


signs, however. A man dropped in the other day in¬ 
quiring for stock in The Yankee Mining Company' 
and inquired what the premium might be if any could 
be obtained, and before leaving directed me to advice 
him should any become available, ‘believing,' he said, 
‘that there is going to be something quite worthy of 
any man's money'." 

The following morning, Wesley called the engineer 
to have him go out to the mines with him, and when 
arriving there inquired for Jack, but he was down in 
the working, w T hen Wesley remarked, “We will go 
down and look around a bit." A hundred feet in the 
bowels of old earth, truly a new experience for “the 
boy Wesley," college-bred and unsophisticated in all 
this rough rabble, but it created within him a sensa- 
tionable experience that he often referred to in after 
years, as the most thrilling of anything he had ever en¬ 
countered, and would not part with the memory of it 
for anything earthly, in looking about through the 
glimmer of the light, produced by those weird looking 
lamps upon the men's hats, as seeming but the eyes of a 
score of demons all vigorously engaged in protecting 
their treasure, which lay profusely all about and glis¬ 
tening all over, like the spangles of a richly adorned 
lady. As he gazed at the walls all about him, he sol¬ 
emnly declared, “The sensation seems to be that I am 
just buried, buried deep and permanently in silver and 
gold, and while the whole world of humanity is strug¬ 
gling with each other to obtain a pittance, as it were, 
here I am completely surrounded by that commodity 
for which humanity is wearing its life away. Now, 
then, comes to my mind, full and complete satisfac¬ 
tion regarding the choice that I have made, when se¬ 
lecting the ‘kind of baby' I have preferred to rear." 

The fascination that now held him in complete sub¬ 
servience, he found it difficult to throw off. Were he 
alone there, he would have remained there for hours; 
it was not, however, wholly because it was his very 


247 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


own, for Wesley was not one who could justly be 
termed an avaricious character. True, he was ambi¬ 
tious to succeed in his endeavor, indeed he must, to 
keep pace with his associates in “The Alliance. ,, Other 
than to satisfy his ambition in that direction, he was 
not a grasper, he cared not for money for money's 
sake. Among his schoolmates he was known as a 
“happy-go-lucky, generous hearted chap," ever ready 
to divide with others whatever he might have that was 
desired by them. He often had quoted his opinion of 
character thus: 

A covetous man can have no soul, 

A stingy chap ne’er reaches a goal, 

A streak of meanness will cast one down, 

A dirty trait will produce a clown. 

Wesley had met Jack down in the working and 
from him obtained information concerning “the 
Prohib," which he found to be nothing of a wonderful 
nature as yet. They had tunneled about a hundred 
feet with nothing especially encouraging, except in 
the last few feet where they had encountered a com¬ 
bination of deposit that was generally known as min¬ 
eral wall, and which indicated that mineral should be 
near. Jack, however, was not posted up to date con¬ 
cerning all that had occurred at “the Prohib." Sel¬ 
kirk had immediate charge of that at present and he 
had gone to Denver to obtain some additional ma¬ 
chinery, and incidentally to meet his father, who had 
business there in the interest of his company in Mon¬ 
tana. Denver being a kind of half-way house between 
their two locations, thus, they could, by a little corre¬ 
spondence, arrange to meet whenever occasion de¬ 
manded their presence in Denver, where occasionally 
all mining operators have to go for supplies, no other 
place carrying a full equipment. 

Wesley and the engineer spent the day about the 


248 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


Jackson. They had decided to not visit “the Prohib” 
until Selkirk returned, which it was understood would 
be the following Saturday night. 

The engineer had some suggestions to make re¬ 
garding operations and equipment at the Jackson, ad¬ 
vising that they might now feel warranted in proceed¬ 
ing with plans for a full “mining and stamping plant.” 
Thus far they had but crushed the ore and shipped it 
down the line for milling, but now it was considered 
the profit upon that mine was sufficient, to meet all 
expense incurred at both mines and would be much 
more than that, before a “complete milling plant” 
could be completed. Thus they would have ample 
funds on hand to construct the plant if commenced 
right away, the engineer adding, “The tunnel to the 
main vein at The Prohib' will be complete upon the 
completion of the milling plant, and they will need the 
plant at once upon the completion of the tunnel.” 
Here, then, the business might be focused all in com¬ 
plete shape at about the same time, thus Wesley could 
witness the full operation of his mines before going 
east after his bride. 

That evening Wesley took occasion to write his 
good friends, the Hunts and the Jacksons, in advising 
them of his return, after which he and Mr. Yates held 
a long and spirited conversation, as both were equally 
elated over the present conditions and prospects, as 
Mr. Yates expressed it, “Well we might be, here we 
have properties carrying a capitalization of ‘one hun¬ 
dred thousand' that justify a capitalization of ‘several 
million,' as such things are usually burdened. Thus 
it can be easily assumed that the percentage in profits, 
that will accrue to the stock can be something very 
unusual indeed, extravagantly so.” Although Mr. 
Yates had but a comparatively small holding, he could 
readily see that the three thousand invested 
in that stock, would recover for him annually more 
than his annual profit accruing from the hotel, as he 


249 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


said, “The thing has gone far enough to prove that 
already.” 

Saturday evening, Wesley strolled down to the rail¬ 
road station at the time for arrival of the Denver 
train, when soon after the train rolled in, the two, 
Selkirk and Wesley, were closely and strongly in each 
other's embrace. It seemed to them that they had 
been separated for years, they laughed, shouted 
and even cried, in their joy at meeting, each had so 
much to communicate to the other, and along such 
various lines, but at midnight, however, they voted 
to adjourn, else would not be in good condition to re¬ 
sume on the morrow. 

Next day was Sunday, and both being church boys, 
to church they both went; in the afternoon they 
strolled forth to browse in the park. The conversa¬ 
tion on this occasion in respect for the day, mostly 
was along the lines of Wesley's experiences while at 
his home in the east. Selkirk and he had become so 
closely allied through a natural affinity, that had from 
the first sprung up between them, that many confi¬ 
dences that would naturally be barred, were pertinent 
to be unfolded between them, thus, Wesley hesitated 
not to inform Selkirk, much concerning his engage¬ 
ment affairs and those of his “Alliance associates.” 
The incidents concerning the twins were greatly en¬ 
joyed by Selkirk, as Wesley took considerable pride in 
describing the embarrassment brought about, through 
the duplicity of his twin sisters, enlarging upon the 
point of their enjoyment at the complex and ludicrous 
situations that they were responsible for, through a 
captivating desire to conceal their identity. Wesley 
had been quite conversant with the troubles that Jonas 
and Ellis had encountered in rounding the twins up, 
and now, that all had been satisfactorily adjusted all 
were happy at the outcome. The affair, altogether 
taken, was now as a wheel within a wheel, and so much 
so that it could be considered no breech of confidence 


250 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


to joke upon so personal a matter. These boys, Sel¬ 
kirk and Wesley, made a gala time of it and Selkirk 
became greatly impatient to meet all the parties con¬ 
cerned, the boys in particular. 

Wesley had before told Selkirk upon a former con¬ 
fidential occasion of their “Alliance compact,” and 
now he unfolded to him the location and kind of his 
associates’ “babies,” and all that he knew concerning 
them, which so interested Selkirk that his usual equi¬ 
poise seemed to desert him, and in wonder, amazement 
and pleasure, he roared and screamed, “What a jolly 
set you all are, the whole eight of you, how I would 
like to meet you when all together. Great, great, 
great, nothing ever so great and coming about so nat¬ 
ural, too, all old schoolmates but one stray ox, and he 
must be of the same breed to fit in so quickly and nice¬ 
ly, however could human nature in so many parts, be 
so naturally and completely welded into what appears 
to be, ‘one jolly go-happy-as-you-please family unit?’ 
amazingly wonderful!” 

Monday morning Wesley and Selkirk started for 
“the Prohib” and spent the full day upon the prop¬ 
erty. They learned upon arriving there, that on Sat¬ 
urday the men had opened up a vein of very rich 
dirt, not so wide a vein as the main vein they were 
drifting to was supposed to be, but the dirt was 
equally rich as that that had been reported, while 
this new vein had not before been known to exist. 

The engineer had been loud in acclaim, that many 
unexpected good things would be encountered up¬ 
on that property, and predicting another good vein 
would be crossed before reaching the shaft they 
were driving for. 

While upon this new find they could mine at a 
good profit, it was decided to proceed as before for 
the objective point, but the dirt they took from the 
heading in crossing the new vein, had furnished them 


251 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


a clue as to what they might expect from that vein, 
thus, “the Prohib” had scored one for sure. 

Wesley and Selkirk went over the ground outside 
and selected a spot upon which to erect the crush¬ 
ing plant for the Prohib, and the day following they 
brought along the engineer and went further down 
the line, to select a location for the milling and 
stamping plant, intending to locate this about mid¬ 
way between the two mines, when by elevating the 
crushed material to a height of about seventy feet, 
could run tram cars by gravity down to the milling 
plant from either way, and by an auxiliary tram, 
lighter built and reversed in grade, the empty cars 
could be pulled back by a cable attached to the 
loaded car, by using two sheives at each end. 

The crushing plants were to be located upon 
much higher ground than the milling plant. Thus 
the two-mile distance between each mine and the 
milling plant could easily be made by a gravity prop¬ 
osition, and after once constructed, would cheaply 
convey the material from both mines to the central 
or milling plant. Railroad freight charges would 
then be comparatively small. 

The engineer and the bosses were now concen¬ 
trating their efforts, upon the construction of this 
huge milling plant. It was estimated to cost Forty 
Thousand Dollars, and timed to be constructed com¬ 
plete within three months. 

The following week Wesley received a letter 
from his Colorado Springs friends, the Jacksons, in¬ 
viting and strongly urging him to spend the follow¬ 
ing week-end with them, saying it was but a half 
day’s ride and they wished for all the news, and 
Wesley certainly would not disappoint them. He 
truly and fully appreciated this worthy old couple, 
resolving to spare no pains to cause them joy, thus 
Saturday noon found him comfortably seated in the 
railway train bound for Colorado Springs. 


252 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


That the old people were immensely pleased at 
his coming, need not be recited, full time, with some 
overtime, being graciously allotted Wesley to tell, as 
the old man expressed it, “all you know and have 
experienced since we met, and then some more that 
you wanted to experience if the lady had been will¬ 
ing.” 

“Now, Cyrus Jackson, I am actually ashamed 
of you,” cried Mrs. Jackson, “you’ll never be old 
enough to learn how to be decent. I am discour¬ 
aged in trying to improve you and have found forty 
years, too short a time to accomplish much at it.” 

“Well, mother,” retorted Mr. Jackson, “did it 
ever occur to you that perhaps your teaching was 
deficient, sometimes, you know, we overlook our 
own shortcomings. I don’t say, really, that you have 
any such, mother, only made a suggestion you 
know.” 

“Incorrigible and impossible,” sharply retorted 
mother, “I hope Mrs. Hart-to-be will never, never, 
have to encounter such as you.” 

“No, no, mother, she will not, you know that she 
is out of my time, moreover, you know that probably 
we might not have thought just alike. It is an ex¬ 
cellent thing, I have always argued, that all people 
do not like the same, for if they had, mother, you 
might have met a good deal of competition and lost 
out on poor me.” “Ha, ha, ha,” roared they all. 
But this had taken the spice out of mother and she 
allowed she would quit. 

Wesley related to these good friends all of what 
he knew concerning the mines, and what others had 
said, about them. When questioned concerning his 
trip east, he felt it was their due to inform them of 
much that had occurred at that end. When describ¬ 
ing the troubles his associates had experienced in at¬ 
tempting to identify the twins, and how matters were 
finally and satisfactorily rounded up, this jolly old 

253 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


couple became convulsed with laughter, the old man 
exclaiming: “Well, mother, that just beats by more 
than a mile all the torments you ever was wicked 
enough to submit to my grateful attention. My, oh 
my, but the poor men do have their ugly troubles.” 

“Yes they do,” retorted mother, “but they are 
not severe enough to check them a bit. The poor 
girls cannot rid themselves of a man when once he is 
started for one and it began in the ‘Garden of 
Eden’.” 

“Yes, mother, so it did,” said Mr. Jackson, “but 
even there, Eve came after Adam we are told, and 
all authentic information, I believe, conveys the im¬ 
pression that she has been after him ever since, 
while I have never heard it disputed that she has 
thus far been fairly successful in her efforts.” “Ha, 
ha, ha,” roared the men, a bit to the discomfiture 
of mother, who replied, “another dose, Cyrus Jack- 
son, of your superior intellect that for forty years I 
have been so greatly entertained with: this is quite 
as fitting as most of your attempts, in attacking the 
most beneficent and kindly disposed friends man 
ever had.” 

“Yes, yes, mother,” cried Cyrus, “you are right, 
just right, always right, but Adam was first you must 
admit and you all kept along after him until the 
poor man was caught.” 

“Wesley, you don't agree with all this stuff and 
nonsense,” cried mother, “I know you don’t and 
would not be so ungallant, as to treat your estimable 
young lady to a dose of this kind and neither would 
Cyrus Jackson, once upon a time.” 

“No indeed,” replied Wesley, “neither would Mr. 
Jackson, could he in any better way express his full 
appreciation, of what he has been fortunate enough 
to capture. None can tell how many, many hours 
during the midnight watch so many years ago, he lay 
tossing too and fro upon his couch in doubt and fev- 


254 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


erish anxiety as to how you might dispose of him. I 
dare say he prefers to not recall any part of those 
anixous hours, but my own experience has taught 
me that he had them to endure, although I have to 
confess that a kind fate so decreed, that I was not 
overburdened with such as he might have had to 
endure.” 

“There, my good Wesley,” said mother, “you 
have my hand for that fine speech and I heartily 
congratulate the ‘Mrs. Hart-to-be,’ upon the success 
she has achieved in selecting her mate. May the good 
Lord bless and guide you for what you may be to 
each other. She has chosen a true knight as her con¬ 
sort and it does *ny old heart good to know that 
there are some among the rising generation, that this 
old and fickle world may regard as proper to assume 
and conduct the intricate affairs of men. It is a sad 
thought that we of our generation are soon to pass 
on, leaving that in which we have been so greatly 
interested, in the care of whom, with so many unre¬ 
liable and selfish people wholly unfit and even in¬ 
disposed, to make good in the full position we have 
held and fought for.” 

Wesley remained with his entertaining hosts un¬ 
til Tuesday noon, leaving with the understanding be¬ 
tween them that when the milling plant is complete, 
they are to visit him in Pueblo to inspect the plant 
and witness the operation throughout. Wesley had 
intimated that they might enjoy the opening day, 
having the full board of directors present with their 
families, or those who enjoyed the good fortune of 
having one, he added. Mr. Yates had suggested it 
some time ago, saying he would be glad to enter¬ 
tain them as host of the occasion. 

The Jacksons were highly pleased at the plan, 
saying they would be delighted to again meet that 
amiable and delightful old couple, “the Hunts,” and 


255 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


should look forward to the occasion with unbounded 
pleasure and expectation. 

Upon Wesley’s return Tuesday evening, Mr. 
Yates saw him as he entered the dining-room and 
followed him in, slapped him upon the shoulder with 
an old-fashioned salute: “My God, boy, better and 
better and more of it, at the 'Jackson’ there is an¬ 
other spook to-day encountered, running crosswise 
of the spook they are working and declared to be a 
considerably wider one and richer. The particulars 
in detail I have not. The engineer dropped in a 
minute saying he had just heard of it and did not 
hesitate to believe it, adding that, I believe that 
ground will be found to contain numerous veins and 
should be surprised if even yet, we have uncovered 
the best the property affords.” 

“Yankee luck, I call it,” added Mr. Yates, “no¬ 
body but a 'dare devil Yankee’, would ever tackle 
a bunch of spooks. There this property had stood 
and there it would have stood for another decade, 
had you not happened along with the barrel of 
nerve, gall and sand.” 

“Oh, come off,” cried Wesley, “Give us a well- 
earned rest, let us remain yet awhile, down here up¬ 
on this wealthy old earth and enjoy the full pleasure 
of pleasing the Creator of all this, by using our best 
endeavor in placing available to mankind, the rich 
bounty of a good God in Heaven. The God of Na¬ 
ture is first, we are but subordinate, we have but to 
perform our duty, he will care for the results and 
should have the plaudit.” 

“You are a funny fellow altogether,” retorted 
Mr. Yates, “indeed, you are more than a Yankee, 
you are 'it,’ the whole show, and at least one of the 
clowns, moreover, so almighty inconsequential as 
summed up by yourself, that one cannot feel safe 
in attempting to place you. It has been said, 'to the 
victor belong the spoils,’ in conquering the spook 


256 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


aversion, you secured the spoils that you believed 
Almighty God placed in that, ground. Why, then, 
are you not the person to whom the credit belongs, 
thus, why not receive it from your good friends and 
true? Truly it must be accorded to someone. Ah, 
my young friend, your logic is not good, your evasion 
of responsibility is wrong and unjust to yourself.” 

The following morning, Wesley called the en¬ 
gineer to go out to the mines with him, stopping at 
“the Prohib ,, first. They, with Selkirk, spent some 
time together, first in discussing the new feature at 
“the Jackson,” which all believed was but a pre¬ 
cursor to greater things, further, “the Prohib” has 
been worked into quite a bit, upon the newly discov¬ 
ered vein both ways from the tunnel. Some samples 
of the rock bordering upon the vein itself had elic¬ 
ited attention, a mineral content being discovered 
known to be not gold or silver, but that it was min¬ 
eral in quite preceptible quantities there was no ques¬ 
tion. This new vein was in the mountain nearly a 
hundred feet and about half way in to the shaft 
they were working to intersect. The side of the 
mountain above the tunnel was very abrupt, thus it 
was evident that this deposit might extend upward 
at least a hundred feet, the depth, of course, none 
could ever dream of. But the vein was proven to 
possess the same tendency to widen as it descended, 
that the main vein was known to have, thus was here 
present a deposit to be counted upon. 

It was decided to secure a few lumps of this ap¬ 
parently valuable and unknown deposit and ship to 
Denver for analysis. There were good chemists 
there, and Wesley desired to learn of what “his baby” 
might contain that might prove valuable; he counted 
it even criminal to overlook a part of nature’s bounty 
to man, as it would really prove him neglectful and 
recreant to his trust, were he unmindful of consid¬ 
eration for every factor of “his baby’s” make-up. 


9 


257 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


A half day being spent at “the Prohib,” they all 
proceeded across to “the Jackson,” where, they 
found much excitement among the men employed. 

Jack happened to be upon the surface as they 
arrived. Rushing up to Wesley, he grabbed his hand 
in a wild sort of way and yelled, “they called you 
‘that damned Yankee/ but lordy Harry, that don't 
begin to git it, spooks or no spooks, b’gosh, here it 
is, waving his hand all around. Here is a line o’dough 
this way, a line o' dough that way, b’gosh, all held 
tight from the cowards of Colorado, by a damnable 
an’ insignificant boodle of spooks, until one day a 
man came along, b’gosh, a man, I say, an’ nothin’ 
truly to be called a man could Colorado claim, who 
could dare to tackle a set of ‘wealthy spooks,’ so the 
dog-goned cowards sneaked off, b’gosh, sneaked off 
an’ left all this real dough to them as didn’t know 
how to use it, nor what ’twas put there by God 
A’mighty for, when along comes a man, ‘a d—d Yan¬ 
kee,’ they said it was, an’ he said, ‘just show up 
yer spooks, let’s see what they’re lookin’ like.’ Be¬ 
hold what happens, b’gosh, an’ what’ll continue to 
happen an’ sackcloth and ashes is a fillin’ the boots 
an’ stomachs of a score o’ Colorado cowards today, 
with a whole bunch o’ I-told-you-so’s a sneakin’ 
’round behind the fences. The God of Heaven will 
grant you luck, Mr. Hart, Yankee or no Yankee, for 
bein’ true to your courage an’ your parents also, that 
are responsible for yer bein’ abroad this day. You 
have got in that hole somethin’ worth talkin’ about, 
it’s a hole that what is a hole, and a better hole than 
any other man own’s, b’gosh.” 

The visitors stood there and roared, while Jack 
was delivering his oration, and then asked to be 
allowed to visit “the spooks,” when down where the 
men were at work disturbing old nature from its 
long sleep, the lamps made visible at the junction of 


258 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


the two veins, a thoroughly beautiful sight looking 
out four different ways, gold and silver all around. 
Aside from its mon etary value, the sight was one 
ever to be remembered and ever will be by those 
three people, even the engineer, as one more or less 
accustomed to grand mineral displays, confessed to 
having never before witnessed anything like this, 
and Selkirk shouted: “If only my father could view 
this display of nature’s bounty!” 

Wesley,of course,had the more reason to feel elated, 
when considering the prospective view of the situation. 
Here was wealth, here was some contribution for “the 
Triple Alliance,” and Wesley thought perhaps he need 
not to worry greatly, concerning his ability to cope 
with his associates in amount, apparently he was to be 
assisted by the “spook” family and then the “Prohib.” 
He had felt more certain of that than of “the Jackson.” 
However, one or the other or both, were his to make 
much or little of, through the strenuous efforts he in¬ 
tended to put forth, considering he had no moral or 
physical right to use less than his full endeavor, in the 
development of what had been almost miraculously 
placed in his hands, by what he was pleased to term 
“kindly providential action.” 

Matters had so shaped themselves now that Wes¬ 
ley was more impatient than ever to complete their 
new “milling plant.” It was not believed that the “toll 
mill” was fully extracting the mineral from the dirt, 
and this greatly nerved him, when considering he had 
no right to allow a wanton waste in this rich bounty 
of nature. 

Although the contracts had been placed and the 
substructure was already quite well underway, he 
chafed to rush matters faster, but the engineer ad¬ 
vised him that “too much haste would make waste,” 
that the quality of work from the mill would be pro¬ 
portionate to quality embodied in its construction. 

Wesley soon applied himself to action concerning 


259 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


a home for Sybil, and of course himself as well. He 
had looked about some for a location sufficient to de¬ 
cide what section of the city suited him best, but he 
could not seem to find just what he wanted in a vacant 
lot. The most desirable locations were already taken 
up and builded upon; none of the good places such as 
he would be satisfied with were for sale. For a few 
days he inquired about some, but none seemed to know 
of anything except the cheaper class, while the well- 
to-do people appeared content with their present 
abodes. Mr. Yates, however, was knowing to Wes¬ 
ley's desire and kept an eye out for his interest. 

When, one day, Wesley came in rather disgusted 
in appearance, with a smile at his dejected demeanor, 
Mr. Yates slapped him upon the shoulder with “Look 
ye here, my boy,” handing him a paper showing a 
photographic print of a residence advertised for sale, 
“something grand enough even for a ‘New England 
Yankee' with a ‘spook' behind to boost him, ha, ha, 
ha,” roared Mr. Yates. 

“But,” retorted Wesley, “why do you take pleasure 
in tantalizing me, whatever have I done to deserve it?” 

“But man alive, is that not sufficient for thy fastid¬ 
ious taste? Surely, many a man would envy another, 
possessed of the like of that, and you, my boy, seem 
possessed of more pride than a poor man should have. 
Pray tell, what would you, then, that a friend should 
put before you?” 

“Ah, ha, kind friend that thou art, stop, I pray 
thee, stop and ponder,” cried Wesley, “what thinkest 
thou that my bank account containeth, that such as 
that picture shows should be brought forth to assail 
it. True, I have something of a prospective to think 
about, but the real pith of it may yet be quite distant, 
and would it be wise to load an elephant upon one’s 
back, when a dove would be more appropriate?” 

“Ah, young man, I suspect the dove is already 
loaded,” cried Mr. Yates, “and now, something strong- 


260 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


er and more roomy is needed to contain you both.” 

“Well, well,” retorted Wesley, “how much 'dough' 
might be required to get astride of that creature? Just 
for idle foolishness I ask the question, in absence of 
nothing better to say, but that place must have cost a 
round fifty thousand. A whole lot of 'dough,' even 
when thinking of 'spooky old Jackson'.” 

Yes,” replied Mr. Yates, “I understand it cost fifty 
thousand to fit up the place complete, but adverse cir¬ 
cumstances have placed it upon the market at one-half 
its full cost, and you are the only man who can handle 
it at that price, and the only one I know of, for whom 
it is so admirably adapted. You are young and have 
the time with all necessary adjuncts to completely in¬ 
habit the house. Think it over, my fine fellow, go with 
me and inspect the property, for we can get the care¬ 
taker to take us around. I have much curiosity my¬ 
self to look inside that house and have understood, the 
old fellow had some very unique ideas in planning and 
furnishing it. It all goes together, all furnished ready 
to move into, apparently it is dog cheap at “thirty 
thousand.” 

“But,” retorted Wesley, “I have not a third of that 
in available cash.” 

“Don't mind that now, let's see whether it is some¬ 
thing you want, first. Should it prove to be so, you 
w T ill find a way to finance it, surely it is a much less 
task than what you have already done hereabouts. 
Come, let's go up there and see what it is like?” 

The property referred to was located up on the 
most beautiful and sightly location in the city, con¬ 
taining about eight acres of ground, and most beauti¬ 
fully laid out, with every adornment suitable to a gen¬ 
tleman's residence. 

The former owner had made his money in the 
mining of silver, after which he went to Pueblo and 
found this ideal spot, spending almost the remainder 
of his life in satisfying his desire, for a beautiful resi- 


261 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


dence and grounds. After his passing, none of his 
heirs were equal either in financial or socialistic abili¬ 
ties, to make use of the palace and its environments. 
It had been upon the market for a long time, but none 
were found who could or would handle it, thus, here 
was a happening, “a man wanted a place, a place 
wanted a man,” here was a delightful dilemma, if only 
the two seemingly available and proper, could be 
brought together. 

As they went over the place and then through the 
house, many were the exclamations of pleasure and 
wonder from both. After leaving the grounds, Wes¬ 
ley became deeply engaged in thought and Mr. Yates 
attempted not to disturb him, as he well knew Wesley 
was strongly under conviction. A condition when “to 
be left alone is golden. ,, 

After they had returned to the hotel, Wesley at 
once repaired to his room; here he found himself en¬ 
gulfed in a greatly deeper problem, than any in which 
he had yet encountered, evidently, the property deal 
he was considering was at the price asked, a bargain 
indeed, but was it wise or was it prudent to take over 
such a burden, true, he had a very large prospective 
income, and he had the moral right under “the 
Alliance Compact,” to satisfactorily equip himself. 
Each of the “Alliance Members” enjoyed full liberty, 
to do that for his own comfort and happines that he de¬ 
sired to do. To purchase a “thirty thousand dollar” 
piece of property, when he actually was possessed of 
but “Five Thousand,” was, as Jack Loon would say, 
“a-goin’ some, b’gosh.” 

After musing upon the situation more or less during 
several of the succeeding days, Wesley resolved to de¬ 
fer making any decision until his own affairs had ad¬ 
vanced, and then he decided, “Twenty-five Thousand” 
is quite as much as I should have in a home. Who am 
I, that I should launch forth in such grand style, as the 
owner of that regal estate should do? What will my 
262 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


people at home think about it and what will my good 
friends, the Hunts, and the Jacksons, think? Well 
then, “let's drop it for the present, at least," was his 
decision. 

Matters for the following week or two drifted on. 
Mr. Yates said nothing further to Wesley regarding 
the residence property. He had learned that Wesley 
was a self-contained man, with plenty of ballast. 

Four months had passed since Wesley had returned 
and much had been accomplished at the mines. The 
tunnel at “the Prohib” had been advanced almost to 
the shaft. They had crossed another rich vein of ore 
which also had for a wall, the same kinds of mineral 
the previous vein had disclosed, the samples of which, 
that had been taken by the chemist, were found to con¬ 
tain platinum, rutanium, rodium and indium, all be¬ 
lieved to be in paying quantities, inasmuch, as the 
price ranged respectively, from one hundred to three 
hundred dollars per pound, with the full demand never 
supplied, and very little even having been discovered 
within the United States. Here was a factor to be 
counted upon, and would, if proven to be present in 
any considerable quantity, greatly eclipse the gold and 
silver factor. Much excitement had been brought 
about throughout the whole neighborhood, through 
the results of that analysis, and great were the ex¬ 
pectations of those interested, Wesley being congrat¬ 
ulated upon every hand for being born “A lucky 
Yankee," with nerve sufficient to merit the name. 

Wesley was greatly elated at the new find and also, 
at the rapidity of progress in the construction work. 
Two weeks more would complete the plant and also 
the tunnel cutting to “the Prohib" shaft. Then would 
decide the reliability of the reports, concerning the de¬ 
posit at bottom of that “prohibition hole," and inci¬ 
dentally, afford a definite lay-out concerning prospec¬ 
tive profits, all of which could assist Wesley materially, 
regarding the purchase of a residence which he felt 

263 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


that he ought to secure before returning east, for 
should Basil and Jonas have secured a nice home be¬ 
fore returning, he would feel like “thirty cents” when 
it should become known, that he had not provided a de¬ 
sirable home in which to install his lady, indeed, 
“Honors were even” at the start and it should not be 
his to subsequently make them odd, at least unfa¬ 
vorably so. 

The day arrived when the last shot in the tunnel 
working was fired. Immediately the water accumu¬ 
lation in that deep shaft rushed through, in very fact, 
as an underground river. The workmen had retired, 
the day's work was finished, when as had been the cus¬ 
tom, the fuse was lighted as the men left for the night. 

In early morning before the men had arrived for 
the day's work, Selkirk and Jack together entered the 
tunnel, which had been well washed by the rapid run¬ 
ning water, every little crevice in the floor of the tun¬ 
nel was completely filled, handfuls of which they 
scooped up in which was plainly visible much of the 
shining metal. Jack was the first to speak and it was 
really a roar. 

“Good lordy Harry, Mr. Selkirk, it's enough, it's 
enough, b'gosh, that settles it, that settles it, the 'real 
dough' an' plenty of it is here, just as they said it was, 
b’gosh, hurrah for our 'Yankee boss'.” 

“Certain sure he is all there,” shouted Selkirk, as 
they proceeded onward to the heading. A hole had 
been torn through into the shaft about two feet wide 
and three feet high. At once they entered and with 
pick-ax tore down some of the wall. 

“Dough, dough, great dough,” shouted Jack. “My 
lordy, that's some, did you ever see the beat of that, 
Mr. Selkirk?” 

The men now began to appear, some half a dozen 
in all, when upon meeting Selkirk and Jack, all sent 
up a cheer that might have been easily heard at both 


264 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


the shaft and tunnel entrances, for as one remarked, 
“That's a great showing, the best ever." 

The statements previously made concerning this 
shaft working, were now fully verified and it was all 
that had been claimed for it. 

Upon reaching the outside, Selkirk at once called 
the city and got Wesley on the 'phone. When the re¬ 
ceiver was placed upon the hook, Wesley and Mr. 
Yates shouted and embraced each other, waltzing 
down the hotel hall, and all present betook of the 
spirit, which made that old hotel speak right out loud, 
and soon it was all over the city, for this “Prohib hole" 
had been for years a big factor in the city's gossip, 
everybody being more or less acquainted with the sit¬ 
uation concerning it, and much speculation had been 
indulged in since Wesley had purchased it. 

The papers were full of news concerning it for sev¬ 
eral days, having fully described “the milling plant" 
and its unique transportation facilities, as the con¬ 
structive work had progressed; indeed, this new en¬ 
terprise and the new methods that were to be em¬ 
ployed in its operation, was the talk of the town and 
county as well. Any story told concerning it was 
readily believed, while Grundy gossip did spin out 
some big yarns. The plant was fired up and ready for 
adjustment trial, about a week after the water had run 
out of the shaft. A few days were given over to the 
full adjustment of everything, including the education 
of the men for their several positions, when the papers 
announced that “the following Monday, the whole plant 
will take up business in due course." 

The morning train out from the city was a crowd¬ 
ed one. There were several hundred of the passengers 
destined for nowhere, but “The Yankee Mining Com¬ 
pany Plant," while the name of the station adjacent 
had been changed to “Yankee." Thus, in very truth 
had the people thereabouts been forced to respect, that 
heretofore despised and insulted name. 


265 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Everything so far had worked fairly well. Of 
course, a few days in actual practice of everyday work 
will limber up, to work more smoothly than was to be 
expected at the first. More material came to “the 
Milling Plant,” at first from the “Jackson” having 
been further developed, but altogether taken, it was 
pronounced a grand outfit, while much interest was 
excited in the operation of the tram-work, that being 
wholly automatic as a gravity proposition and it 
worked out, as completely as Wesley had calculated. 
The idea had been Wesley’s, but the engineer had 
worked it out to a practical basis. 

After a three-day run, Wesley desired to gather 
data as to what may be expected upon an average, be¬ 
lieving the result of a week’s operations at that time, 
may be considered a minimum in basing his calcula¬ 
tions, that the figures taken then may be safe upon 
which to estimate, the weekly average run when taken 
permanently. 

During the following six days, a pretty good run 
was made. Sixty tons of ground material was dumped 
into the mill hopper, with the result that thirty-eight 
hundred ounces of silver, worth sixty cents per ounce, 
and five hundred and twenty ounces of gold worth 
twenty dollars per ounce, had been taken therefrom. 
When taken altogether, this was considered by all to 
be a fair estimate of what could be expected. Thus, 
when the result of the week’s run became known, 
there were in plenty bulged eyes and discredited ears. 

The directors of the company had been invited 
to be present the following week and Selkirk had be¬ 
come so enthusiastic, he had insisted upon his father 
being present upon that occasion. All the way from 
Montana he had to come, but come he did, and after 
witnessing what was there to witness, had become 
even more enthused than had Selkirk, saying, 
“Never before have I witnessed anything like that 
and I doubt if ever its equal has existed,” remarking 


266 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


to the directors, “a live Yankee for me is the real 
stuff to possess hereafter.” 

Upon the occasion of the visit of the members of 
the company, to witness the operation of what had 
been termed, “The Prohibition-Spook outfit,” Mr. 
Yates had completely spread himself in the collation 
he served. Quite a large company they were, as in 
every case the wives had been brought along, as Mr. 
Graham remarked, “In fact, the women throughout, 
are quite as much interested in this unusual affair, 
as are the men." Mrs. Jackson’s way of putting it 
was, “We women, are just simply members of this 
wonderful Yankee corporation, in good and regular 
standing.” 

The day following their arrival was spent out at 
the plant, and to make the occasion all that it should 
be, Mr. Yates provided for his hotel cook to go along 
and serve a dinner, in a nice grove that stood near the 
milling plant, thus a gala day they had of it. All 
visited both the mines, and the old people were 
quite as well entertained with that part of the pro¬ 
gram, as were the younger portion; in fact, most of 
them were elderly people. A few personal friends 
of Mr. Yates and some, that Selkirk and Wesley con¬ 
sidered close friends were invited, altogether effect¬ 
ing quite a large party, thus “the Yankee Mining 
outfit,” was now duly and formally christened. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were particularly joyous at 
the success of the enterprise. They somewhat re¬ 
garded Wesley as their protege, in fact, all of the im¬ 
mediate company present were conversant with the 
peculiar circumstances, which first led Wesley to so¬ 
journ to Pueblo, thus all this had sprung from his 
flight from Mr. Baker, of the “Denver Gas and Elec¬ 
tric Company.” 

During this assembling of parties in interest, 
much entertainment was enjoyed from a recital of 
the incidents, leading up to and resulting from Wes- 


267 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ley’s rapid departure from Denver. The Hunts, 
being really the hub upon which all of the events 
had turned, were accorded the post of honor at the 
table and elsewhere, where it were pertinent to 
create such a post. 

Mr. Yates had unfolded to the Hunts and Jack- 
sons, the plan he had nursed to have Wesley take 
over, the residence property upon the hill, describing 
as near as possible Wesley’s attitude toward the 
proposition, with his reluctancy on account of his 
environments and circumstances, emphasizing the 
fact, that he had dared not to approach him further 
with the matter, fearing he would consider him over- 
officious. 

The old people were much interested in the prop¬ 
osition and expressed a desire to view the premises, 
so after Wesley and Selkirk had departed for the 
mines, upon a matter that must promptly receive 
their attention, Mr. Yates engaged to pilot them 
across the grounds and over the house, with which 
they were so greatly delighted, that they all with one 
accord said to Mr. Yates, “Your efforts are admir¬ 
able and should continue to a successful finish, while 
we can be counted upon to assist you in every neces¬ 
sary way.” 

Wesley and Selkirk returned from the plant in 
good time for dinner. After dinner, Wesley and his 
elderly friends were alone together in the private 
parlor, while Selkirk and his parents had taken a 
stroll about the city, as Mr. Graham, Senior, had 
declared he needed exercise to settle his dinner. 
After conversation in the parlor had waxed lively 
for awhile, concerning the enterprise that so greatly 
interested them all, Mrs. Hunt turned the subject 
by inquiring of Wesley, “May I inquire a bit, Wesley, 
concerning your plans for settling when you return 
from the east with the lady in tow? Surely, we are 
also interested in that phase of your case as well as 


268 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


the business end. No doubt you have made plans, 
as all young men are likely to do.” 

“My dear Mrs. Hunt,” replied Wesley. I hardly 
know just how to reply to that. I have not yet se¬ 
lected ‘a cage for my bird' in any definite way and 
present appearance seem to indicate, that Mr. Yates 
will have to engage to house and feed us for a while. 
I have looked about some, but as yet have encoun¬ 
tered nothing exactly satisfactory, that is properly 
available to me. Perhaps my ideas are contained 
in a swelled head, as many another young scion of 
this modern day, has for himself undoubtedly dis¬ 
covered.” 

“Your reply seems to indicate,” said Mrs. Hunt, 
“that there is something that might be satisfactory, 
if you felt it were within your means. Why not be 
frank with us, Wesley, we should all certainly ap¬ 
preciate being taken fully into your confidence.” 

“Yes,” added Mrs. Jackson with a broad smile, 
“do tell us that we may, at least, share in your per¬ 
plexity.” 

“Well,” replied Wesley with some hesitancy, “I 
have inspected a property in company with Mr. 
Yates, that is a perfect thing, built and formerly 
owned by a wealthy man, but why should I con¬ 
sider it? My pile is indeed a small one, when con¬ 
sidering a property that cost sixty thousand dollars 
to build and equip, and then, what need has a family 
of two of what might be termed a castle?” 

“But,” retorted Mrs. Jackson, “you can have no 
expectation of holding the number down to that, 
can you?” “Ha, ha, ha,” burst forth when Mrs. Hunt 
added, “of course he cannot. I wager he is not so 
shiftless as that, now let's have it, whatever is hold¬ 
ing you down?” 

“Well,” was the reply, “the Damon estate up 
there upon the terrace is on the market, with a price 
of Thirty Thousand Dollars upon it and I can muster 


269 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


about two thousand. Some odds that, I reckon, and 
greatly too much. A year or two later it might ap¬ 
pear some different, but I do not think it proper for 
me to have so much in a residence and would only 
give Twenty-five Thousand, had I the available 
cash.” 

Mr. Jackson here took a hand, inquiring if he 
would object to placing a mortgage upon it, if a deal 
could be arranged. 

“No,” replied Wesley, “I think Fifteen Thousand 
could be raised upon it.” 

“Well, then,” spoke up Mr. Hunt, “the thing 
seems dead easy. I will loan you Five Thousand, and 
I believe Mr. Jackson will do the same; if you can 
purchase it for Twenty-five Thousand your way ap¬ 
pears clear.” 

“Yes, yes,” cried Mr. Jackson, “that’s fixed it, 
now hasn’t it? Now I’ll tell you, my boy, in company 
with Mr. Yates we have been all over the place. He 
has told us that you appeared to like it, but so far as 
he could determine, you had not solved the problem 
as to whether you could or ought to own it. He 
greatly desires that you should have it and we all, 
are certain it is a bargain at the price asked, now, 
why not get busy at once, and if possible, secure it 
while we are here present? I assure you it will give 
us much pleasure to know it is in your possession be¬ 
fore we depart, and we will prolong our stay a day 
or two to congratulate you. It is certainly a fitting 
place for you. You have acquired by your own 
sagacity and effort, a position that fully warrants 
the possession of a property of that class. Within a 
year you will be quite able to clear it of all encum¬ 
brance, for you hold the earning power that can 
do it.” 

“How ever,” cried Wesley, “can I repay all that 
you good people have done and are proposing to do, 
what has instigated you to put over all that you are 


270 


THAT IRRESISTIBLE YANKEE 


doing, it is so very unusual? The world at large is 
not acting thus, were it so doing, heaven would be 
present here, no other place would be mentioned.” 

“Wesley, my boy,” exclaimed Mr. Hunt, “it is 
unusual, but is prompted from the fact that you are 
unusual. Were everyone as open and frank, as per¬ 
severing and straightforward, the world would ex¬ 
tend the kind hand, but the selfishness and intrigue 
of man as usually exhibited, forbid such kindness 
and confidence as has been wont to come your way. 
Whatever you may have received, has been but a 
premium placed upon your conduct and personal¬ 
ity, and yet, the world is under further obligation 
and will always be to such as you.” 

After the pleasant interview before described, 
Wesley approached Mr. Yates with the proposition 
to offer Twenty-five Thousand for the “Damon prop¬ 
erty,” adding, “I will give that for it and get them 
the cash.” 

Mr. Yates opened his eyes wide with the smiling 
reply, “You’re it,” my boy. I well knew you would 
get there. You know a good thing when you see it, 
and many people do not. I knew well enough that 
one who could handle a set of spooks, could find a 
way to handle that ‘Damon estate,’ so my boy, I am 
heartily glad.” 

The offer was duly made for the property and 
was promptly accepted. Thus ere another full day 
had passed, matters in conveyance had all been com¬ 
pleted. The second day thereafter the Hunts and 
Jacksons had witnessed Wesley in possession of his 
future home and departed for their own homes, 
completely satisfied with the part they had taken in 
all the proceedings, happily declaring they should 
be present at Wesley’s reception, when he should re¬ 
turn with his bride. 

The following day after the departure of these 


271 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


elderly friends, Wesley, Selkirk and his father, spent 
at the plant in going through matters of operation 
in detail, Mr. Graham handing out much information 
that could be and should be made use of. The next 
day Mr. Graham and lady departed for home, and 
Wesley for his home in the east. 


272 


CHAPTER VIII 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 

After seeing his friends off for the west, Basil 
commenced right away to pull matters together. 
First, he must visit the bankers who had the bond 
sale in charge, to determine where the treasury of 
the Urban Railway Company was at. Soon he had 
met or communicated with several of them and 
learned that the bonds had all been subscribed. One 
banker remarking “wish we had as many more to 
place.” Next Basil repaired to the engineer’s office, 
to ascertain what progress had been made in the 
construction work, finding that the roadbed was 
nearly complete, he then got in communication with 
the several supply men, to learn if they were going 
to be in on theirs within contract time. In every case 
the reports were satisfactory, all had progressed 
quite up to the letter of the contract. 

The second day, and after the whole situation 
had been looked into, Basil planned to have the en¬ 
gineer go over the line with him by team from En- 
derton. As they proceeded along the route, Basil, 
was almost beside himself with wonder and amaze¬ 
ment at his own accomplishments. “All this,” he 
mused, “I am responsible for, as every stake driven 
was at my instigation. How- ever could I have been 
selected the agency that has brought all this to pass, 
when but a young man having had no experience in 
this line and, in fact, little experience in anything of 
a commercial character, truly, there must have been 
some kind fate guiding and assisting me. Who shall 
tell me, then, that man is all sufficient within him¬ 
self? Who, indeed, can say that Basil Carter could 
pull all this together through blundering about 
hither and yon? Shall anyone believe that were pos- 


273 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sible, he must not attempt to convince Basil Carter 
that fate has not decreed the direction that his feet 
should tread, and what is fate, but the will of “The 
Creator of all Things ?” 

When reaching the power plant at Pond-Grove, 
Basil was more than ever dazed at results culminat¬ 
ing, from his first attempt at the purchase of this 
property. Here, the structure was awaiting the com¬ 
ing of the ponderous machinery and this was due to 
arrive the following week, when it was said that 
thirty days thereafter would be required to set and 
fasten it. Therefore, it appeared that in about six 
weeks everything would be complete for the running 
of cars over the road, at first, as construction vehi¬ 
cles, which they said might need three or four weeks 
to properly ballast and adjust the operating devices. 
Thus, Basil could believe that by midsummer it 
would become a full-fledged child and fully out of 
its swaddling clothes, with the traffic of people and 
freight astride of its back and earning money for 
him and his “Alliance”. Here, a thought entered his 
mind concerning his associates, wondering had they 
found in their special lines as satisfactory progress 
having been made, were they as nearly equipped for 
an earning basis as is this, “The Urban Railway Com¬ 
pany?” and smiled. 

After looking about until midafternoon, Basil 
decided to have the engineer return alone, while he 
would procure a team and driver to take him to the 
gate of “Darius Green.” As there was nothing that 
immediately demanded his attention in the city, he 
could easily spend a few days with these good peo¬ 
ple, perhaps to their mutual advantage. It was his 
delight to go and he flattered himself that it would 
be their delight to receive and visit with him. Soon 
they were off, with the driver greatly elated at the 
prospect of a nice chat with the president of the 
“Railway Company.” Basil had received much at- 


274 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


tention from the people all along the railroad route, 
the engineer had introduced him to all that had come 
in their way, while each one had taken occasion to 
drop some sentence, conveying their gratitude to him 
for the placing of that railroad among them, gener¬ 
ally making it appear that their real and important 
wonder was how and by what means, he had worked 
“Darius Green” to get possession of that franchise. 
All had been familiar with the unsuccessful attempt 
made by others to obtain it, and knowing he had 
been very obstinate about it from some cause or 
other, they also knew his was a personality that was 
difficult to reckon with, especially if one attempted 
to badly cross him. They became no wiser, however, 
through their intimations, for Basil surely had 
nothing on the old man. 

It was about dusk when they arrived at the 
“Green” gate and supper was all served, when Mrs. 
Green was heard to scream from the back door, “Come 
here quick, Darius Green, come here, I say. The prod¬ 
igal verily has returned and don’t forget to bring 
along the Tatted calf’.” 

“What in the world are you screaming about, 
mother?” was roared forth from somewhere in the 
rear, “what do you want any 'calves’ for, have you 
gone luny, b’gum?” 

Basil was now at the front door pounding away 
at the old-fashioned knocker. Soon it was opened by 
mother, upon the broad grin and screaming, “Come 
in, come in, you prodigal son of the Green family, I 
have already ordered the 'fatted calf.’ How are you 
and how went the battle at home, did the sweetheart 
remain true and does peace reign throughout? My 
goodness, but I am glad to see you. Darius and I have 
talked of little else since you left, you did not bring the 
lady along, and why, how could you leave her behind ?” 

“Hold your ballast, Mother Green, the talking ma¬ 
chine is becoming unruly, so many questions have been 

275 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


put already that I am greatly in arrears and can never 
catch up, unless a ‘danger signal' is displayed.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” was pealing through the doorway, 
when “Darius Green with his laughing machine,” 
came flying through the hallway screen. 

“Well, well, here we are once again,” shouted 
Darius. “My gaddy, but you are a sight good for any¬ 
body’s sore eyes. A miraculous miracle you are, and 
of the true ‘Yankee type.’ They have always told me 
to meet ‘A Yankee’ was novel and grand, but ‘to know 
him well, was princely sublime.’ Now that we have 
you once again, we’re bound to celebrate private¬ 
ly, but when the first carload of folks goes over that 
road, there’ll be the durndest celebration these old hills 
ever gazed down upon, since Injuns owned that valley 
down there, and should they happen back just to take 
a look at their old pride to find it so desecrated and 
abused, your young scalp wouldn’t be worth enough to 
your gracious skull to protect it from catchin’ a pipein’ 
cold, but lad, you have raised the dickens in a mighty 
short space o’ time. However did you manage to git 
sech a move on? Land alive, never before did any¬ 
thing pass up that valley at that dog-goned happy gait, 
why, you’ll have ’em all on wheels down there in a 
week or two. I’ve been watchin’ ’em all along and 
spent about half my worthless time around down 
there, imaginin’ I had a lot o’ errands in one or more o’ 
the villages, an’ when I got there couldn’t think o’ a 
dog-goned thing I wanted, so just stood and gasped 
with mouth stretched from ear to ear, a thinkin’ what 
a ‘durned shiftless concern’ Darius Green is and al¬ 
ways has been. Good lordy, guess if you never’d been 
born, they’d never have celebrated any railroads un¬ 
der that ‘Darius Green Franchise,’ so there’s where 
your worthy parents come in for glory in this affair 
and they’ve got to be present when that opening cele¬ 
bration comes off, for I just want to meet ’em and in¬ 
form ’em about the ‘great tidings’ they added to this 


276 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


old world, when they caused you to appear. My lordy, 
that'll be a great day for ‘Darius and Mother Green,' 
when they can shake with such good old New England 
stock as that pair must be. Good lordy, but they orter 
raised a big brood from the pattern they had to work 
from." 

Supper was finished and the men were comfort¬ 
ably seated upon the veranda, and mother had about 
completed the clearing away, when out through the 
evening twilight came the muffled sound of a distant 
drum, which instantly caused the old man's ears to be¬ 
come alert. Presently he spoke out, “That's not down 
in one of the villages, that's nearer than that and by 
gaddy, I b'lieve it's a cornin' nearer. Say, mother, 
we're goin' to be serenaded, I verily believe it, now 
my lad prepare yourself to make a speech, they're a 
cornin' here sure as there's a huckleberry a growin' on 
these hills; say boy, they've found out you're here and 
are a goin' ter celebrate yer aforehand. There, yer 
can see the light just through that air dingle there. 
Yes, truly ther're a cornin' mother, can yer treat 'em? 
What can yer git to go with a keg o' cider ? I can find 
the cider, can you find anything ter chew on? Basil's 
got ter talk to 'em, an' we've got ter treat 'em, so let's 
git a move on right away." 

Sure enough, they were coming and mother sprung 
for the larder. She had some good things to offer, but 
she wanted another some, and quickly calling one of 
the farmhands, bid him run quickly across to Mrs. 
Jones. “Tell her what’s a goin' to happen and tell her 
she must help me out with anything that's good ter 
eat, except ‘doughnuts and cheese and punkin' pie.' 
I've got plenty of them things, and do be quick fer the 
Philistines are a cornin' for us right smart, tell her ter 
come along with the feed and you pack it across, live¬ 
ly, too, we hain't got a blessed minute to spare a 
hangin' around." 

Darius had rolled up from the cellar a twenty gal- 


277 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Ion keg of cider, when Basil remarked, “there seems 
to be music in different directions, it sounds off here, 
too.” 

Darius listened a minute, “Sure as guns, my lordy, 
that’s over on the north road, they’re a cornin’ from 
two different villages, by lordy, they are, guess 
mother’ll git swamped this time. Wonder what she’s 
a doin’ about it, they’ll be a deuce of a crowd, don’t 
know as we can feed ’em, by lordy, I don’t—and I 
don’t—and I, Darius Green, don’t want ’em to go away 
hungry and say, Tor once Uncle Darius couldn’t make 
good.’ ” 

Mother was busy and when told that there were 
two separate crowds cornin’, she got busier. Mrs. 
Jones had sent over her girl in advance to help and 
say, that Mrs. Jones was a cornin’ with a big lot of 
apple dumplings newly made that day, for the pur¬ 
pose o’ havin’ somethin’ on hand when she got out and 
needed ’em, and she’s got “five huckleberry pies” and 
some “punkin’ jellup” that she’s been a cookin’ up for 
next winter, with a large jar o’ “tomarter-ketch-up,” 
two good-sized cold “boiled hams,” a “jerk o’ dried 
beef,” and if needed, might add a “few dozen crullers,” 
with a “chunk o’ cheese,” an’ three or four punkin’ 
pies, but you sent word that you didn’t want sech 
things. 

“Good lordy,” screamed mother, “I want anything 
and everything I can lay my hands on, they say the 
whole valley is a vomitin’ itself up to ‘Darius Green’s,’ 
an’ a cornin’ from several different ways ter onct, hun¬ 
dreds on ’em, so now, Katura, you just jump back 
home and tell ma all what yer know and a good deal 
what yer think yer know, and let no weeds sprout un¬ 
der them big feet afor’ yer git back here. If ma can’t 
bring all them things, tell pa to git busy right quick and 
ter onct too, fer them saranaders won’t wait very long 
after the speechifin’ is done, before them bellies will 
begin to assert their rights after a marchin’ out here 


278 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


to this wilderness. I’ll have time, I reckon, ter cook 
a lot o' corn cakes, and simmer some molasses for a 
‘syrup.'" 

“Well mother, how yer a makin' out. They’ll be 
here in about twenty minutes," remarked Mr. Green. 

“It's up ter Basil and you, ‘Darius Green,'" re¬ 
torted mother, “to hold 'em quiet with speech-making 
for a half hour after they git here, then we women will 
have suthin' to feed 'em with. I've enlisted Mrs. Jones 
and Katura and we'll serve 'em up within an hour, so 
they'll be glad to come again." 

The sound of the music was now much nearer and 
the torchlights were to be seen, as they appeared ap¬ 
proaching the junction of the north and east road, 
where it probably had been planned that the two dele¬ 
gations should meet, this being about half a mile from 
the “Green homestead." From the Junction they 
would be in sight all the way, thus Basil and Mr. 
Green ascended to the front chamber to get an idea, 
if possible, of about how many the procession 
contained. 

As the music was now nearly approaching the 
house, the rear of the procession was just leaving the 
Junction, so here was, indeed, a big crowd to enter¬ 
tain, and Darius believed it could not possibly be well 
and sufficiently done. 

Basil had given some thought toward an assembly 
of topics upon which to address them, not purposing 
to be lengthy, however; as it was not a formal occa¬ 
sion very much would not be expected. 

When nearing the house, cheering commenced, 
that rang true all the way down the line, red fire and 
rockets plentifully lighted the night, causing even the 
animals of the farmyard to sit up and take notice, all 
of which spurred the women to greater endeavor, and 
before the eaters were ready, the feed had been plenti¬ 
fully and royally prepared, with Katura and the farm¬ 
hand, lending much aid in providing the benches and 
laying the food. 


279 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


When the procession had focused itself upon the 
large lawn, some eight to nine hundred heads in all, a 
cheer for “Basil Carter, the railroad Magnate/’ rang 
forth loud and true, then another for “Darius Green, 
the political Machine.” When silence reigned supreme, 
Basil stepped out upon the veranda, waved his hand, 
smiling a broad smile, and when about to speak, an¬ 
other cheer arose and the bands struck up, “Oh, hain’t 
I glad I come.” 

Basil then gave them a twenty-minute speech, the 
first he had ever delivered since leaving his college, 
but it was said to be a capital one and decidedly per¬ 
tinent to the occasion; when concluding, cheers again 
peeled forth. 

Darius then arose and inquired of the crowd, if 
they were foolish enough to expect him to open his 
meat chopper, when cries of, “Yes, yes, give us a dose 
of The next political scheme’ to be put over. We’re 
always ready for your politics, whatever you may have 
to dump upon us.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” cried the old man, “how many of you 
vote his way and how many of you don’t know which 
way you do vote and don’t know which way you want 
to? The ‘political nimcompoop’ during later years has 
multiplied so rapidly, that the poor rabbit has retired 
from business in shame. The poor creature who for 
ages has held the record for progeny, and is the least 
liable of all creation to commit error through race sui¬ 
cide. Truly you cannot expect the man who knows 
‘nothin’ ’ to say ‘somethin’,’ for that would be a case 
of attemptin’ to obtain ‘somethin’ from nothin’,’ and 
nobody really believes that the thing can be done, but 
I firmly believe that ‘somethin’ can be obtained for 
somethin’ ’ and that a laborer is always worthy of his 
hire is quite beyond question, therefore renderin’ a 
service that is worthy of compensation, thus, we shall 
attempt to prove that ‘somethin’ is realy worth ‘some¬ 
thin’,’ that for your labor you shall receive substantial 


280 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


hire and instead of attemptin’ to create 'a political 
rally,’ from out of what was projected to be a 'demon¬ 
stration of gratitude,’ for blessings at hand and to 
come, through the God-given agency of 'Basil Carter.’ 
(Cheers) We now invite you to the yard in the rear, 
where you may fall to, at whatever it has pleased our 
'kind neighbors’ to send along. May it do you all good, 
through physical inspiration, during all the long way 
back to your happy firesides. Let me add, that we 
fully appreciate and honor the high regard you have 
so elaborately exhibited, for the efforts that have been 
expended in providin’ a railroad for the convenience 
and comfort of 'Old Urban Valley.’ Now if you please, 
mother is awaitin’ your cornin’ to the 'feast of 
plenty.’ ” Then the band again peeled forth, "Oh yes, 
I’m glad I come,” while the crowd gathered around 
the festive board, as jolly a crowd as ever gathered 
around a keg of cider and a farmer’s lunch. 

This was an occasion long to be remembered and 
verily was long remembered by Basil Carter, as his 
first public reception. "Truly, indeed,” Basil re¬ 
marked, "the honor bestowed upon Mr. Green and my 
self by your presence and enthusiasm upon this de¬ 
lightful occasion, is sufficient compensation for all and 
more than we have accomplished, and would to God 
every one could be as liberally rewarded for service 
rendered.” Then three especially rousing cheers rang 
forth for the youthful promoter and political grandpa 
of the Urban Valley railroad, which was the grand 
goodnight of the occasion, as the delighted guests dis¬ 
appeared down the roadway. 

On the morrow at breakfast, Mr. and Mrs. Green 
could hardly contain themselves, so elated were they 
at what had occurred. As mother expressed it, "I 
never expected when I married you, Darius Green, to 
become actually notorious, and now, I can appreciate 
somethin’ of the true and embarrassin’ feelin’s of the 
first lady of the land and can sympathize with her, in 


281 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


a creditable and contrite spirit, whenever she may 
have come in upon her unexpectedly, such an enor¬ 
mously hungry and hilariously disposed assembly 
of people.” 

The second day of Basil’s stay with the Greens, it 
was planned to have “The Pair” take them all a pace 
up and down the valley, especially to spend some time 
around the power house, and in planning out improve¬ 
ments to be made in and around the grove and pond. 

Basil had told them of his expectations as to pas¬ 
senger traffic for the summer months. The big city, 
he believed, would spend much of its time in a proper¬ 
ly equipped and well-ordered picnic and boating ren¬ 
dezvous; the distance being but about sixteen miles 
to the pond and grove, a fare of twenty cents could 
bring them there to spend the day. This with the nice 
ride it afforded them would make the traffic heavy. 
The sizeable lake they had would afford good boating 
and with a nice line of amusements in the grove, it 
would supply a better outing place than any now ex¬ 
istent in that vicinity, and commercially speaking, he 
believed it would be a valuable adjunct to the regular 
everyday traffic. Basil had with him a list of enter¬ 
tainments and devices, with a blue print of a full lay¬ 
out which the engineer had executed and given him. 

Mr. Green was much impresed with what Basil 
had to show and tell them. Mother, could not be ex¬ 
pected to fully comprehend all, that this part of the 
program would contribute to the proposition as a com¬ 
mercial factor, but Mr. Green could see the wisdom of 
catering to the picnic element and advised Basil, to 
pull every attraction possible for the pond and grove, 
to make it the best outing place available to the big 
city. 

It was quite some after dark when they arrived 
home. Basil planned to remain three or four days 
longer, when he must return to Enderton to establish 
the offices of “The Urban Valley Railroad Company,” 


282 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


which it had been decided to locate there. Moreover, 
it behooved him to get busy upon the proposition to 
locate a home for himself, as should he be obliged 
to build one, several months would be required. 

Regarding the matter of a home, Basil talked 
frankly with Mr. and Mrs. Green. There was one 
location in Enderton that had especially attracted 
Basil's attention, but it probably was not available, 
as an “ancient gambrel roofed house" stood upon it, 
quite likely inhabited by an old couple, whose abode 
it always had been and would continue to be so long 
as they continued. This property stood at the end 
of and facing a long public green, with a roadway 
upon each side and beautiful rows of maples upon 
either side of the roadways, the residences upon 
both sides being exceptional, even for a country city 
of about twenty thousand people, and each inhabi¬ 
tant seemed to vie with his neighbors, in the line of 
making the best possible appearance of his buildings 
and lawn. 

This old property at the end of the green was 
quite some raised above the general level of the sur¬ 
face thereabouts, beautiful shade was present on the 
front and both sides, while the view from the rear 
was exceptionally fine, looking toward the big city. 
Basil spoke of this property to his hosts, when moth¬ 
er exclaimed: “The most beautifully located house 
in the whole town, I have tried to have Darius sell 
out the farm and move in to Enderton, to spend the 
rest of our time here on earth, and he said he would 
if he could get that Hutter Place, but he knew he was 
safe in saying that, for it is probably impossible to 
get them to move out." 

Mr. Green remarked that he had despaired of 
ever getting that, but added that he didn’t blame 
Basil for takin’ a shine to it, as it is a perfectly prop¬ 
er place for him to own, now that he practically 
owns the railroad, and who better than a railroad 
283 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


magnate should occupy the best location in town? 
“Good lordy, Basil, you ought to have it for that 
Jay-nice of yours. Perhaps you can frame up a 
suitable proposition to tempt the Hutters, perhaps 
you could buy some nice cosy place to offer them, in 
some sort of exchange for theirs.” 

“How are they fixed financially?” inquired Basil. 

“Fairly well to do,” said Darius, “they rent the 
land in the rear and with a little other income, they 
manage to get on in a modest way that seems to 
satisfy them at their age.” 

Basil and Mr. Green arranged that “The Pair,” 
should take them to Enderton on the morrow, when 
they might look about the city to see what could be 
found, that they should decide would appeal to the 
Hutter people in exchange. 

Mr. Green had read several advertisements of 
property for sale in Enderton, so they would look 
those up first. One that appeared to be more suit¬ 
able than any other would cost four thousand to pur¬ 
chase. It was a nice little place of about a half 
acre of ground, with a large lawn and a compara¬ 
tively new house of eight rooms, all well shaded, 
with nice environments, and well down the street 
from the present home of the Hutters. 

Basil decided to take a thirty-day option upon 
this property, depositing fifty dollars to secure it, 
after which he and Mr. Green rode down to the 
Hutter place, and without approaching the house, 
took a jaunt around the property which they esti¬ 
mated to contain about five acres, most of which 
showed excellent growing crops upon it. 

Basil accosted the man at work in the field and 
learned, that he was the lessee of the tillage land 
and that his lease was renewed annually, thus it 
would expire with the year, so here was really no 
handicap, for should Basil get the property, he 
would not care for the land in tillage during the 


284 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


present year. Nothing was said to this man indicat¬ 
ing their real purpose in making this call. 

After having encircled the tract complete, it was 
decided that it was best for Basil to alone approach 
the old people, that perhaps Mr. Green's presence 
might make it awkward, as the Hutters might know 
who he was and might be unfriendly, through some 
political action put over by “the machine boss" at 
some time or other. Who can tell when “a machine 
politician" will or will not, consciously or uncon¬ 
sciously tread upon any man’s corns in fact or imagi¬ 
nation? Thus Mr. Green sauntered along down the 
cross street to where “The Pair" had been tethered. 

Basil took a dignified stride toward the Hutter 
house, and reaching the door, he several times threw 
over the old-fashioned knocker. No response com¬ 
ing, quickly he strolled around to the rear door, 
when down a way in the garden a sunbonnet of the 
“Old Mother Hubbard type," was just visible about 
some rose bushes, and for that sunbonnet he made a 
stride, but looking the opposite way was “the sunbon¬ 
net," its wearer having little idea of the approach of a 
gentleman, until attracted by a “Goodmorrow sa¬ 
lute" in a laughing, gentlemanly manner, when the 
sunbonnet quickly turned with a loud chuckle em¬ 
anating from beneath its folds, “Land sakes" my 
young friend, but you frightened me not. Once, a 
young swain of your appearance might have caused 
a faint, but “land alive," that was afore I ever met 
Ubed Hutter, for he couldn’t make a snail faint for 
there wasn’t any a cornin’ his way, and the good 
Lord knows he never could overtake one." 

“Well, mother," exclaimed Basil, “you’re a farm¬ 
er I take it, and a good one as well, with the evi¬ 
dence here present to judge from. The result of 
your persistent effort is laughing at you from every 
quarter, truly, this is a most delightful spot to find 
oneself in and you must greatly enjoy all these nice 


285 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


shrubs and flowers, but with all this land, craving 
man’s laborious attention, I imagine your betterhalf 
must of necessity, be a hard worker as well as his 
bonnie lassie.” 

“Now you are coursing away off the true taper, 
young man, for that ‘whilom better half, does 
nothing but hold his tired old chair down and study 
politics out o’ the newspapers, most of his breath 
being expended in a cussin’ ‘Darius Green’ and ‘his 
political machine,’ and I’m not a sayin’ however, that 
he is not a workin’ on a righteous job. Land sakes 
alive, we’re just a gitten what we’d a’ orter had and 
would a’ had several years ago, but for ‘Darius 
Green’s cussedness’, in a tyin’ hard and double knots 
in it.” 

“To what do you refer, may I ask,” queried 
Basil, “is this community suffering from some needed 
improvement, that one man was able to hold up, if 
so, through what magic did he obtain the power? 
Do not the people rule in matters of public improve¬ 
ment?” 

“Well,” replied Mrs. Hutter, “my best way to 
answer, I think will be to inform you, that when a 
few years older you will know all and more than you 
believe you know now. The magic you refer to is dead 
easy, politics, simply politics, rotten ones at that, 
then, don’t the people rule? Oh yes, when ‘Darius 
Green’ and others of his ilk tell ’em how to, but here 
we are a talkin’ away like old crones out here in this 
hot sun. Let’s adjourn to the house where we can 
take it comfortable. If you have come to see Mr. 
Hutter you may have to abide some while. He went 
over to t’other side near two hour ago, and orter 
got back afore this, but I tell him many times a week, 
he’s the most unreliable critter I ever imagined could 
be got up at the time o’ the creation. He can only 
be counted on to eat and sleep at the proper time. 
At other times his trolley is more likely to be off 


286 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


the wire or out of repair. Pray tell me, if you please, 
do you b’long hereabouts when you’re to home?” 

“No,” replied Basil, “my home is in New Eng¬ 
land. I am strolling about down this way, in fact, 
may yet come this way to live, have taken an option 
on a very pretty place over the other side. Now 
that there is to be a nice 'trolley road’ through here, 
think it will be a pleasant place to live, having some 
business in the big city occasionally.” 

“What place have you in mind here?” asked 
Mrs. Hutter. 

“Jenkins’ place,” replied Basil, “on Oak Ave¬ 
nue.” 

“Oh, my,” cried the lady, “that is just a dear. I 
have tried to have my Ubed think that way, too, as 
I would be so happy in that little cosy place. Really, 
it’s too bad that places and folks that are most fittin’ 
to each other can’t fit, because there’s a human bein’ 
some way connected, that’ll allers put a foot in the 
dough before it’s completely rose. Ubed thinks he 
was created on a puppus to live in this old shack and 
then to die here, too, but I’m contrary minded as to 
that.” 

“Would you, Mrs. Hutter, exchange this ancient 
old landmark for a nice modern home, would you 
have no compunction at leaving this old stamping 
ground of yours for so many long years?” smilingly 
asked Basil. 

“It is this way,” replied the other, “I’ve never 
had much change a during my life, especially since I 
up and married Ubed Hutter and I’m a thinking that 
’twould do me good to have a little. I’m already a 
figgerin’ it out, to let them trolley cars cart me about 
some when they begin to trolley, and whether Ubed 
is along or no won’t make very much difference. I’m 
a goin’ and if I knew enough to bring it about, I’d 
strike a bargain with somebody to swap my home to 
git another change that way, but don’t s’pose that 


287 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


this old ancient would appeal to anybody, that had 
anything better for affordin’ a change.” 

“Would you, Mrs. Hutter, be willing to ex¬ 
change this for the Jenkins place, if it could be sat¬ 
isfactorily brought about?” 

“Yes I would,” cried mother, “and mighty quick, 
too. But Ubed, land sakes, don’t suppose he—” 

“What’s that, mother, about Ubed, guess I’ve 
caught you at it a finally, arter all these long years of 
domestic felicity. Ha, ha, ha,” roared Mr. Ubed Hut¬ 
ter, as he strode into the room. 

“Well,” retorted mother, “I have to own I have a 
very entertainin’ caller an’ we’ve enjoyed a very 
pleasant chat. I would introduce him had I learned 
his name.” 

“I am Mr. Basil Carter from old New England,” 
cried Basil, “just at present straying about this 
neighborhood in quest of what I may find, and acci¬ 
dentally strolled in to inspect your fine garden and 
found the lady and ‘the sunbonnet,’ very agreeable 
company and staid on until you had opportunity to 
to catch us at ‘it.’ “Ha, ha, ha,” roared they all. 

So here Basil had the ice well broken and the 
woman already in with him. With the ace and the 
queen already in hand, he figured he should in some 
way be able to acquire the deuce, but he well knew 
from what he had learned, that more than one ses¬ 
sion would be necessary to play the game through. 

After a pleasant chat, during which his option 
had been brought up and discussed somewhat, Basil 
took a friendly leave with the old man and lady, who 
were very urgent for him to repeat his call, as the old 
man put it, “and come when I’m ter home, too,” add¬ 
ing that “I’m most allers ter hum afternoon.” 

“Yes,” cried mother, “when you are not a gad- 
din’ for more news, but Mr. Carter, I shall hope to 
see you, when perhaps you may help me out on some 
of my plans, as I shall dream dreams I’m afraid.” 


288 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


“What underground wire yer got er goin' now, 
mother, to bring topsy-turvy out of a peaceful situa¬ 
tion?" 

Basil found Mr. Green asleep in the buggy with 
“The Pair" all tethered. He untethered them and 
led them out into the road, when the motion of the 
vehicle awoke the old man. “Whoa, there, whoa, 
there, whoa," shouted he, when Basil roared, “Wake 
up, wake up, old man, and hear the birds sing, for 
quite a pretty song have they learned today. Ah, 
ah, my good friend, the game is in the works and I 
already hold the ace and the queen. The deuce I 
am certain to acquire, and what do you know about 
all of that? Another session is necessary, however, 
perhaps two." Then he told the old man about the 
happenings that had happened. 

“By gum, Basil, a mighty good session that, you 
and the woman together will win out all right. ‘Yan¬ 
kee molasses' spreads on easy down this way and 
here is a Yankee that well knows how to spread it, by 
gum, he does. Ha, ha, ha, but they don't especially 
well like ‘Darius Green,' ha, ha, that's a good joke, 
too, but we knew just enough to keep Darius out 
of that dish and until you git 'em fast, he must be 
kept well in the background, and you must get this 
matter closed before they realize it is ‘us’ that is 
building this railroad, for they will couple us to¬ 
gether in that and your chances of a deal will be 
greatly lessened. But I must be going now, ‘The 
Pair’ will hardly get me home by supper time, but I 
will meet you at any time for any puppus, an' when 
I can be of service just don’t be bashful in advisin'." 

“No, Mr. Green, we fully understand each other 
regarding such things." 

Basil decided to return to the big city that night 
and return again to Enderton the following week, 
when he expected the Hutters would have done 
some threshing upon the exchange deal. He felt 


10 


289 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


secure in the old lady’s ability, supported by her 
anxiety to acquire a change from ancient to modern. 
To round up the old man, he believed, however, that 
he would naturally prove an obstinate obstruction 
for a while at least, but he also believed that he 
could bring forth a bit of diplomacy to counteract 
some of the old man’s silly objections. Basil hoped 
another interview would accomplish his purpose, 
but was prepared to inaugurate a siege if necessary. 
He knew time to be a grand and wonderful healer 
of all ills and had upon several former occasions, 
bided his time with all necessary patience to the ac¬ 
complishment of his purpose. 

In the big city the next day, Basil employed his 
time in calling upon all his business acquaintances. 
With some he had business, others to make a short 
social call, thus to keep in good touch against a time, 
when it might prove to be an advantage to know 
these people. 

The bankers who had placed the bonds were all ex¬ 
ceedingly friendly, as one expressed it, upon being 
thanked by Basil for the several kind courtesies ac¬ 
corded him: “You, my dear sir, are under no obligation 
to us, we are the debtors, you provided a way to help 
us to help ourselves and we should be only too pleased 
to have you make another break, even though it might 
be as the papers at first characterized your other, ‘An 
amateur folly in finance,’ another way of putting high 
finance, but,” added the banker, “nobody can under¬ 
stand how and by what sort of tactics, you were able 
to conquer that ‘old political hard shell.’ The presi¬ 
dent of ‘the Traction Company’ was in a day or two 
ago and said, you must possess some magnetic element 
in your natural make-up, to have so completely ob¬ 
tained control of ‘Darius Green,’ that the trait essen¬ 
tial to handle that man never could be acquired.” 

“Yes,” replied Basil, “I think he is right about 
that, and the elements that make up that trait, are but 


290 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


nature’s best endowments to mankind. Darius Green 
needed nothing through which to convey his sincere 
friendship, but confidence, established by open-heart¬ 
ed, straight-forward, guileless conduct. To approach 
Darius Green in a manner in imitation of his own 
trusk way of meeting people, is dead easy and certain 
of satisfactory results. I think the whole trouble had 
arisen primarily at the manner of their approach. 
They were a bit lofty, a good deal reserved, and some 
artful, all of which are foes to confidence. One sen¬ 
tence born and bred in frankness will overcome a deal 
of suspicion, one sentence couched in reserve, will 
produce doubt and even animosity. I first met Mr. 
Green at his barn door, he at once tumbled at me like 
a thousand bricks as to why I was present, undoubt¬ 
edly believing I had come as others had, to attempt the 
separation of himself from his cherished and valuable 
franchise. Thus, what may have been his surprise, 
when I tumbled back at him like several thousand of 
brick, never once alluding to the object of my call, and 
which never was alluded to until he dragged it out, 
after we had railed at each other more or less for sev¬ 
eral hours; even then I kept my distance regarding it, 
until he had fairly well brought out all the facts and 
information concerning it, while now, I have but to 
intimate a desire, to gain accomplishment in anything 
he is able to do.” 

“Mr. Carter,” exclaimed the banker, “there are 
others that need only an intimation to hop and skip 
in your service. You have indeed made good, in fact, 
you are all there, and few there are in active business, 
having themselves so thoroughly under control and 
can so easily adapt themselves to emergencies as they 
shall suddenly arise. We certainly hope you will dis¬ 
cover another 'Darius Green,’ having an opportunity 
upon which to exercise your abundant ability, to cope 
with any and all odds that human nature can place in 
your way.” 


291 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


A week had passed since Basil had parted with his 
“Hutter friends,” thus he decided to again work their 
way. A week should suffice to get some sort of de¬ 
cision regarding that property exchange. 

Basil again took the engineer along, as some plan 
he had concerning the amusement lay-out at the park, 
would require his professional services for a few days. 

Arriving at Enderton, Basil at once procured a 
team and proceeded to the park. He would brook no 
delay in anything that pertained to full completion of 
the road and its adjuncts, believing that personal mat¬ 
ters, if necessary, could wait. 

The outing season was near at hand. Thus to get 
the most of that season, rapid must be the progress of 
whatever was necessary to entertain the patrons of 
his road, while in the big city he had ordered several 
things in that line to be immediately forwarded, thus 
in a comparatively short time he could have them 
placed, and as the equipment for the road itself, was 
nearly all either present or in transit, they could now 
set a day for the opening, and the day named was June 
the tenth, when all endeavors were bent to that end. 

It was now the last week in May and things had to 
hustle. Basil would not fail to make good for any old 
thing, thus he intended to remain directly upon the 
job. 

The first night he stopped at a hotel near the grove 
and was out with the engineer soon after six in the 
morning. He planned to return to Enderton that 
night, for that property deal was ever upon his mind. 
He was due to return to New England in early Sep¬ 
tember, and he greatly wanted hi v home finished be¬ 
fore leaving, while three months was necessary to con¬ 
struct in a proper manner, the structure he desired to 
have as his home. A secret pride was present in Basil’s 
bosom, to place his Janice in as good a home as did 
his “Alliance Associates” place their consorts. 

About five o’clock Basil took the team to drive to 


292 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


Enderton, when upon arriving, at once repaired to the 
dining-room, and a little after seven o'clock, again 
played with that old brass knocker upon the Hutters' 
front door. Upon this occasion, however, no sunbon- 
net appeared, it was the old man himself who an¬ 
swered the knock. 

“Ah, how are you, Mr. Hutter," smilingly ex¬ 
claimed Basil, “how are all the folks and the babies 
as well?" Seeing the old man hesitate, he added, 
“Don't you know me or don't you want to, guess you 
had better invite me in where you can take a better 
look. I am the same old chap, not a doctor with a fat 
bill to collect, not the sheriff to serve upon you papers 
of commitment, not the evil one to sacrifice your sub¬ 
stance, and—" 

“What's all this, Ubed Hutter?" almost screamed 
Mrs. Hutter. “Why have you not shown that you can 
be decent enough to invite a stranger in, before all 
this long time of doorstep agony? Basil Carter, is it 
you ? Indeed it is. I thought your voice was a familiar 
one, but was in the kitchen and didn't hear very plain, 
but you, Ubed Hutter, should have known better." 

“Hold on there, mother, let me git one word in 
edgeway or some t'other way, you must be tired and 
need a rest. Really, I didn't know this young chap, 
never see him but once and can’t remember every¬ 
body. Well, well, my boy, come in and we'll place a 
mark on you that we can know next time you come. 
When did you git into town?" 

“Oh, just arrived an hour ago, have been to ‘the 
big city' since we met," explained Basil. “How have 
you progressed in health since you were so much dis¬ 
turbed by that Yankee caller? Surely, you were for¬ 
tunate that he did not longer remain, to tax your pa¬ 
tience and get on your nerves." “Ha, ha, ha," was the 
chorus. 

Soon Mrs. Hutter exclaimed, “No, no, Mr. Carter, 
it is not you that severely tries my patience and has 


293 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


about wrecked my nerves, it is Ubed Hutter that 
works that lamentable trick. At times I can't do any¬ 
thing with him. I don’t want to say anything that I 
shall ever regret later, but he does try me so. Gen¬ 
erally some of the gallant remains with a man, I 
reckon, into good old age, but Ubed Hutter seems to 
have dropped some of his soon after the honeymoon, 
and it’s been continually a droppin’ ever since, until 
now there is not a whole lot available to drop. Most 
any man would delight in placin’ ‘his best girl’ in a 
satisfyin’ home and I reckon they, as a rule delight in 
affordin’ them all and every pleasure possible, but—” 

“Hold on again, mother,” retorted Ubed, “it’s time 
to sing the next hymn, addresses that are too lengthy 
lose most o’ their flavor, for there’s a limit to the aver¬ 
age memory an’ you’ve already reached the limit on 
mine, an’ I guess Mr. Carter has stood about all he 
can take without a hymn to relieve the strain.” 

“Mr. Carter can speak for himself,” cried mother, 
“while as he appears more amused than annoyed, I 
think we’ll omit the hymn and instead, inform him of 
what he might like to know concerning your obstinacy 
against my sincere wishes. Mr. Carter, I can’t do 
anything with him concernin’ the exchange that is so 
dear to my heart, he simply will be a mule anyway, 
and what is that other name they sometimes apply to 
animals of that particular brand.” 

“Ha, ha, ha,” roared they all, when Basil inquired: 
“Why don’t you toss up a penny when you cannot 
otherwise agree, if either is too obstinate that will set¬ 
tle any difficulty.” 

“The fact is,” retorted Mr. Hutter, “I don’t want 
to give up this old stampin’ ground and have to get 
used to another, for about the time I’ve done that 
they’ll want to box me up, a sayin’ the world hain’t got 
no more use fer old Ubed Hutter. So what’s it all 
amount ter anyhow?” 

“Why just to please your ‘best girl’,” replied Basil. 


294 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


“An’ you, too, I reckon,” retorted the old man, 
“well, I can’t help it if I am ugly.” 

“But what do you call this property worth, Mjr. 
Hutter? I simply ask to get an idea of values down 
this way.” 

“Oh,” replied the old man, “I really don’t know, 
the old house hain’t wuth much to anybody but me. 
Why, I s’pose the whole thing as it stands, not in¬ 
cluding mother, would be wuth to sell about four thou¬ 
sand dollars. I was once offered somethin’ better 
than three thousand about a year ago, I think, and I 
reckon the railroad a cornin’ adds several hundred, an’ 
if the town grows in consequence, it may afore I 
leave it rise in value to five thousan’.” 

“You are acquainted, I suppose, with the Jenkins 
place?” inquired Basil. 

“Oh yes, mother took me over there the other day. 
It’s a good little place an’ good enough for me an’ 
mother, all right, but it’s partin’ with old associations 
that hurts an’ I’m a stickler for anything that’s 
carried me safely along.” 

“Then,” retorted Basil, “why not apply that to your 
‘best girl?’ Indeed, she has stood by you as well as 
this old house. As for me, I can find other places you 
know, Mr. Hutter, so do not count at all upon pleasing 
me. It was Mrs. Hutter’s ‘best interests’ that mostly 
interested me, but as it is becoming late, for old people 
especially, I must bid you goodnight.” 

“Are you to remain in town long?” inquired Mr. 
Hutter. 

“A few days probably,” replied Basil, “may call 
again before I take permanent leave.” 

“Do so,” cried the old man, “sorry you can’t stay 
about permanently, as one don’t make agreeable new 
friends every day.” 

Some time after Basil had retired and fallen asleep, 
a rushing of feet in the hall awakened him and he 
heard the cry of “fire.” Looking out of the window a 


295 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


crowd were rushing past toward the south part of the 
town. He could not see much light, but the fire de¬ 
partment was just rounding the corner at the next 
cross street. Basil finally decided to dress and saunter 
forth to see what might be seen. When out upon the 
street he learned the whole story, for plainly in view, 
looking through the long park, he saw, in very truth, 
“the Hutter home” in a cloud of smoke with fire burst¬ 
ing forth from one gable. Truly, it was the home in 
which he had but a few hours before been quietly con¬ 
versing, but now was a quiet home no longer. He ran 
rapidly down the street and soon after reaching the 
vicinity of the fire, he beheld Mr. and Mrs. Hutter in 
the dooryard of one of their neighbors. Approaching 
them, Mrs. Hutter screamed, “Mr. Carter, Mr. Carter, 
come directly here, is not this awful, awful, to be thus 
dumped into the street by a merciless conflagration?” 

“Yes, yes, Mrs. Hutter,” replied Basil, “but you are 
not dumped into the street by any means, for a home 
is yours to immediately repair to. The ‘Jenkins house' 
is open to you and it is fairly well furnished. There 
will probably be not much of value left here after this 
kotow, so let me escort you hither, will you not?” 

“Yes,” replied the old man, “we've got to go some¬ 
where now and not talk about old associations, either.” 

“You are quite welcome,” cried Basil, “and I trust 
you can make yourselves comfortable.” 

“We shall appreciate your kindness, Mr. Carter,” 
said Mr. Hutter, “and shall be pleased to receive a call 
at your earliest convenience.” 

The old house was not entirely destroyed, but was 
a thoroughly discouraging sight when viewed the fol¬ 
lowing morning, while a small insurance only had 
been carried. 

When Basil called upon the Hutters the following 
evening, he was surprised to learn, that the old man 
had not visited the scene of the fire, and more sur¬ 
prised when learning that he did not intend to visit it, 


296 




BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


as he did not wish to view the desolation brought upon 
his old home. Moreover, he was now completely will¬ 
ing to consider any proposition for exchange that 
Basil might make him. He now appeared quite con¬ 
tented in his new place of abode and apparently had 
no desire to settle elsewhere. 

Basil took his cue from the present situation and 
asked the Hutters if they would consider an even ex¬ 
change, taking the properties over as they now were. 

“But, Mr. Carter,” said the old man, “you paid 
four thousand for this place and I told you last night 
I considered mine worth about the same amount, but 
now it is not, as I view it.” 

“Well, Mr. Hutter,” replied Basil, “but you also 
said you did not value the house greatly in placing that 
amount upon the property, and the fire has damaged 
nothing else, thus the amount holds good and I will be 
satisfied to make an even exchange. Moreover, had 
not the fire occurred, the house would have counted as 
nothing to me, for if I have the property, a new struc¬ 
ture will immediately occupy its position.” 

“Well, mother, what do you say?” inquired Mr. 
Hutter. 

“Now, Ubed Hutter, your former good sense is 
returnin’ and I’m beginnin’ to feel that I may yet en¬ 
joy a little change, this place is lovely, and you will 
be as pleased with it as I.” 

“Well, then,” said Basil, “will we have the neces¬ 
sary papers passed tomorrow?” 

“Yes,” was the reply. “Squire Hunt will make 
out the papers for me, he havin’ always done my 
business.” 

“I will meet you at his office tomorrow at three 
o’clock,” said Basil, “with the papers all ready for 
delivery. All of which duly occurred and Basil soon 
found himself in full possession of the coveted prop¬ 
erty. 

After the business was completed, the squire re- 


297 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


marked to Basil, “You are getting on fine with your 
road, Mr. Carter, you will, no doubt, bring the open¬ 
ing in on time.” 

“Yes,” replied Basil, “easily, I think. We’ve got 
them all a going and now I’m going to get them all 
a going upon this ‘Hutter property’.” 

“Make a nice place of it, I suppose,” continued 
the squire, “am glad you’ve got it, it will add greatly 
to the appearance of the street and park to have a 
nice place at that point.” 

While this conversation was passing, the Hut- 
ters stood as if in a trance, just completely dazed. 

Mr. Hutter finally got control of his tongue and 
inquired, “What does this mean that you two are 
talkin’ about? Is this young man, just out of swad¬ 
dling clothes, the Mr. Carter that is building this 
trolley road?” 

“Verily it is,” replied the squire, “and why not, 
pray? What has he done that should prevent him? 
Surely, you have read in the papers what a 'Miracu¬ 
lous scheme of finance,’ he has been guilty of using 
to bring this road into being.” 

“I grant all that,” retorted Mr. Hutter, “but I 
don’t believe the good Lord of heaven could be¬ 
lieve that this boy, just out of school, is the Mr. Car¬ 
ter we have been a readin’ about. Land sakes alive, 
this young generation doubles me all up. Guess it’s 
time we were goin’, mother, before some other near 
impossible and unbelievable affair strikes us dumb.” 

“Mr. Carter,” exclaimed Mr. Hutter, “let me con¬ 
gratulate you upon the good fortune that a kind fate 
has decreed in your behalf, through the God of 
heaven, in the endowment of the personality that 
you possess. You are young and in watching your 
career one will, I think, find an object lesson worthy 
of all the effort and attention expended. You have 
shown yourself up as # man who can deal honorably 
and honestly, in the face of a temptation to enhance 


298 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


your own interests, as illustrated in your dealing 
with us, when we would willingly have conceded a 
thousand dollars in the trade as damage by the fire.” 

“And you, Mr. and Mrs. Hutter,” retorted Basil, 
“have contributed much more to my happiness than 
you can ever realize. I coveted your location upon 
which to erect a home and purchased the Jenkins 
property, with the thought that it might provide you 
a good home, one in which more comfort could be 
secured during your declining years and with this I 
planned to tempt you to part with the property I 
coveted. Thus, you can see that my own self-inter¬ 
est was uppermost in all that I did, and I believe 
that it was through the kindness of heaven that all 
these happinings were brought about to happen. Mr. 
Hutter could not see it possible to part with the old 
place, until the old place had ceased to remain as 
Mr. Hutter had all these years known it. Now that 
you are both satisfied and happy, while your neigh¬ 
bors will also be pleased at the change that will oc¬ 
cur at that end of the park, from my personal view¬ 
point the conclusion of it will serve to make myself 
and mine the happiest of all. Thus, may the good 
God of heaven bless and comfort you to the end 
of your days, while in making my acquaintance you 
made ‘a friend indeed, by a very act in need'.” 

“God bless you, my boy,” were the parting words 
of both the Hutters, as the tears actually rolled 
down their cheeks. 

Basil had men at work next day clearing up the 
debris, and having prepared plans some time before, 
had contractors bidding for the job the third day 
after the fire. 

The succeeding day the contract was let and 
Basil turned his attention to matters concerning the 
opening of the road, which was now less than two 
weeks away. 

Basil's father, of course, must be present upon 


299 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


that occasion, being one of the directors, and upon 
further thought he decided to invite, besides his 
own family, the Harts and the Kents, of a certainty 
Janice Kent must be present, and why not all the 
connections of the members of “The Triple Alli¬ 
ance.” It was not a long way from their New Eng¬ 
land home and Basil believed most of them would 
be present. He knew it would be the day of his life 
and into the preparation, he threw his whole per¬ 
sonality without reserve. The engineer was equally 
enthusiastic and the people along the route promised 
almost universally to decorate. 

The papers in the big city took up the cause and 
everybody predicted a rousing time, with an im¬ 
mense throng of people to pass over the road and 
visit the park. In addition to the car equipment of 
Basil’s road a score of cars were borrowed from 
other roads to care for the expected rush, while ad¬ 
ditional to what had in so brief a time been provided 
in park facilities, several large tents were provided 
in which to serve provisions and afford a place for 
social entertainment. 

Mr. Green and “The Pair,” who were often al¬ 
luded to as “Darius Green and his flying machine,” 
were everywhere present in co-operation in pulling 
the different villages in line. For really was not 
Darius the originator of the whole scheme, really the 
father with Basil as the execution functionary? 

Enderton was trimming everything that would 
not disgrace the decorating material, with the last 
village upon the line equally responsive and having 
an elaborate band stand erected, near which were 
located several large cannon, each to fire in near 
succession a volley of salute upon the arrival of the 
first twenty carloads of visitors. This feature was 
the incentive for crowding the cars to be saluted to 
more than seating capacity, as upon the arrival of 
the last car, several celebrities were to address 


300 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


the crowd present from the band stand, while ap¬ 
propriate music in abundance would add to the mer¬ 
riment. 

The first car to leave Enderton on the morning 
of the celebration, had two full brass bands aboard, 
one to drop off at the park, the other to proceed to 
the end of the line. Thus, music was afforded at 
both places early in the day, while later both bands 
were to hold forth at the park. Extensive fireworks 
were provided for the evening at the park and each 
village along the line had arranged to elaborately 
salute the returning crowds as they passed through 
along about midnight on their way to the city. 

That the rolling equipment provided was greatly 
more than swamped, only tells a part of the tale. 
Thousands were completely unable to board the cars 
at Enderton, public and private vehicles of all de¬ 
scriptions were pressed into the service of delivering 
people at the park. Everyone present seemed per¬ 
fectly well pleased, while many were inconven¬ 
ienced, but wore a happy smile. This “Trolley rail¬ 
road opening” furnished a common cause and the 
people found fault with nothing, while whenever 
and wherever Basil appeared, a cheer and clapping 
of hands appeared also. 

At the afternoon exercises the manager in 
charge, who by the way was Lawyer Mason, a di¬ 
rector of the company, formally and happily intro¬ 
duced Basil to the assemblage, when the roar that 
went up through the treetops was greatly augmented 
by one long blast from the bugles of the bands, being 
immediately followed by the appropriate piece, 
“The King, the King, long live the King.” 

Basil well knew that the people would be pleased 
with a few sentences from him, and it was certainly 
fitting that he should make an attempt to please 
them, after the interest they had exhibited toward 
his new enterprise, but never before had he faced, 


301 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


as the speaker, such an enormous assembly as was 
here present. However, as the band played he waved 
his hand and smiled, in recognition of the generous 
salute that was being accorded him. 

The music soon ceased and Basil gave them a fif¬ 
teen-minute address, that appeared to exactly hit the 
pleasure-loving tickle of the crowd. He humorously 
alluded to “Darius Green and his flying machine,” 
as an important factor in making possible and desir¬ 
able the occasion of the day, together with the com¬ 
ing convenience and pleasure of the people in this 
section. Every countenance present wore a smile 
all through this important oration, that greatly dis¬ 
liked to come off, and did so only after a rousing 
three cheers for the hero of the day, who had by his 
jolly address so widely opened their mouths, that 
the smile decided it were best to retire and give 
place to a more vehement demonstration, of the 
pleasure Basil had afforded them with his fitting al¬ 
lusions. 

Basil’s New England friends were every one 
present, and none were ever prouder of their off¬ 
spring upon any occasion, than were Basil’s parents 
throughout the whole day, while Janice Kent was 
having the time of her life, and when Basil was 
speaking, the tension of interest and anxiety was so 
tightly drawn, it seemed to those about her that the 
blood would burst through her cheeks. Proud, one 
can just bet that word hardly expressed her feelings, 
indeed, she could not be human and be otherwise. 
Here upon every hand were the results of Basil’s 
patient and persevering endeavor, and to note the 
unqualified respect of this vast throng of people, 
thrust out toward him in sincere appreciation, neces¬ 
sarily created within the bosom of Janice Kent, 
Basil’s own Janice, a fervor of excitement and satis¬ 
faction that would never forsake her memory. 

Uncle Amos, who had been so greatly opposed to 


302 


BASIL'S TRIUMPH 


the boys’ alliance proposition at the start, now stood 
there with the tears running down his cheeks, while 
so proud was he, that his usually voluble tongue re¬ 
fused to budge. 

Aunt Eunice, who had championed the cause of 
the boys at the start, noticed the condition of her hus¬ 
band in his contrition, and mused silently, “Verily, 
verily, they do say and it has here come to pass, 
‘chickens will always come home to roost,’ Amos is 
chewing over again, the prophetic words he so con¬ 
fidently uttered concerning those boys.” 

The Hart family and the Kents throughout, were 
nearly overhelmed at what they were gazing upon, 
and knowing how much it all meant toward gaining 
the goal for which the boys had been, and are so 
persistently striving, to each family came the silent 
inquiry, “Will Jonas and Wesley be able to meet the 
success that is here already acquired?” for nobody 
could conceive of this enterprise being other than an 
unqualified success. 

While Basil stood upon the platform contemplat¬ 
ing the mass of people before him, and awaiting the 
pleasure of the musicians, he noticed right in front 
and near the platform, “Darius and Mother 
Green” and Mr. and Mrs. Hutter, all with their meat¬ 
choppers opened wide, and eyes riveted upon him, 
while in cheering they seemed ashamed of their in¬ 
ability to send forth greater measure. 

After the speaking they rushed for Basil, as 
though fearing he might evaporate ere they could 
reach him. Darius yelled, Mr. Hutter chuckled and 
the women sent forth a laughing scream, as all 
sought his hands for a hearty shake at the same time. 

Darius fairly yelled, “Basil, my boy, I am proud¬ 
er of you this minute than ever. How can we suffi¬ 
ciently thank the creator of all the commodities, that 
you’ve managed to pull together of each and every 
sort, to make possible this grand celebration and its 

303 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


complete success, for sendin' you to the farm of 
‘Darius Green' to receive his insultin' insults at the 
old barn door? Ha, ha, ha, my boy, but you could 
not be insulted for you had an abundance to fire 
back. You came to conquer, armed with frankness 
and perseverance, and not as others had come be¬ 
fore you, with sneakin' countenance and intriguin' 
tactics. Whatever failin's Darius Green may have, 
he is alive with appreciation when along comes ‘A 
Yankee’ of your sort. Thank the Lord that you came, 
thank him for what you are and again for what you 
have accomplished." 

“A'rah, a’rah, a'rah, for ‘Darius Green with his 
talking machine'," went up through the treetops. 

The fireworks were counted a complete success 
and everything had contributed to that same end. 
The power that bore this immense gathering over the 
road had been abundant. No patience-trying delays 
had appeared to mar the pleasure of any, and most 
of the people at midnight were home or on the way 
there, having like the little bird, “sung their happy 
songs all day," and now silently chanting, “Put me 
in my little bed, Just to rest my tired head." 

The following day, Basil’s guests were happily 
escorted to view his future home location, which all 
greatly admired, especially Janice, who considered 
it lovely, even the best ever. All fell to congratulat¬ 
ing her upon the future home and so pleased was she, 
that tears of joy coursed down her flushing cheeks 
when thinking, of what a kind fate had decreed 
should be placed at her disposal. The substructure 
was now rapidly progressing and the elevations 
showing the superstructure completely excited their 
admiration. 

Along came a car heading for the park, when all 
entered and soon were again enjoying the many en¬ 
tertaining devices, several of which they were un¬ 
able to utilize the day before because of the crowd. 


304 


BASIL’S TRIUMPH 


By prearrangement “The Pair” delivered Mr. and 
Mrs. Green into their midst, just before they were to 
have their midday meal. Thus, the Greens and 
Basil’s guests had opportunity to become fully ac¬ 
quainted. Therefore, everybody became completely 
satisfied with everybody else and Janice Kent en¬ 
tered completely the good graces of Darius and 
Mother Green. Thus it was safe to conclude, that 
“The Pair” would take much of their future exercise 
upon the roadway between the home of “The Greens 
and the Carters.” 

That evening there appeared before the hotel at 
which Basil quartered his guests, a brass band, fol¬ 
lowed by a long and happy line of people, assembled 
from several of the villages, and augmented by the 
people of Enderton. The people in the hotel at once 
assembled upon the veranda, where Squire Hunt, the 
lawyer who had drawn up the papers for transfer of 
the Hutter property to Basil, approached them from 
the assembled crowd, remarking, “These people have 
assembled through a desire to show their full appre¬ 
ciation and do honor to the full assembly of ‘Yankee 
guests/ who have honored the good people of ‘the 
Urban Valley’ with their presence, upon an occasion 
greater and of much more importance than anything 
ever before happening here. Thus, to the relatives and 
the good neighbors of Mr. Basil Carter, the merited 
hero of the day, we each jointly and severally here¬ 
with by our presence, commend you all to ‘Almighty 
God’ for his able care and blissful keeping. To Basil 
Carter, personally, we cannot overemphasize the re¬ 
gard in which we hold him. His are to be continued 
honors dealt out to him each day of his life, and as he 
is to reside among us we shall delight in showing our 
full appreciation, of what he has contributed to our 
benefit upon every occasion presenting itself.” 

Basil stepped forward and with a happy smile, 
generously and affectingly responded for himself and 

305 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


his guests, when the procession moved forward with 
red fire and candles filling the air, with the band peal¬ 
ing forth “Yankee music” under the traditional name 
of “Yankee Doodle.” 

The following morning Basil's guests departed for 
their homes, with fond memories of this charmingly 
eventful opening occasion. 


306 


CHAPTER IX 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 

September the first was now the day, and about 
when the several members of the Alliance contingent, 
were supposed to be on a hike for the distant east and 
their brides-to-be. It is but idle to speak of their an¬ 
ticipations and to tell that their joy knew no bounds, 
but it may be said, and truthfully too, that each had 
throughout the summer been lured on and on in his 
persistent endeavor, by an inspiration developed 
through ambition to excel, in establishing a commer¬ 
cial footing and in the achievement of supplying his 
sweetheart with a delightful home; not one was self¬ 
ish to the extent that he desired any of the others to 
have anything less than he might have, but neither 
did they relish the idea of being excelled, and each 
knowing that the others would consider no limit in 
what they might acquire, was egged on to a seemingly 
limitless acquirement. It might well be considered a 
strife in which, like all other contests, “the best man 
must win,” unless handcapped by unusual conditions 
beyond the contestants’ control. 

Upon a day Basil received a telegram from Jonas 
Kent, naming a day when Ellis and himself would 
stop oflt at Enderton on their way east, just “to look 
him over,” adding, “reply if you have not already gone 
to New England.” Basil replied as requested and in 
due time the travelers arrived at Enderton station. 
Basil had decided upon which train they would arrive 
and repaired to the station to meet them. As they 
alighted, Basil, standing back near the waiting-room, 
made a rush across the platform and there, in the cen¬ 
ter of a large crowd getting on and off the train, they 
yelled and embraced each other to the surprise and 
consternation of those about them, who were stren- 


307 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


uously endeavoring to get somewhere, but were ob¬ 
structed by what they considered a gang of impolite, 
indecent, inconsiderate boys, but when in the midst 
of their frolic another leaped into the affray, as though 
propelled by a strong desire to get a share in what ap¬ 
peared to those a distance away, “a free-for-all fight,” 
and here we have “Wesley Hart,” dropping off the rear 
car of the same train, having ridden there for hours, 
not knowing his “alliance associates” were aboard, 
and they in the same degree of ignorance concerning 
his presence. But now this quartet made a commotion 
in that crowd that alarmed a policeman, who could 
not exactly tell whether it was going to be a bloody 
fight, or just a few closed eyes and some teeth knocked 
out, so he stepped forward holding his club above 
their heads, shrieking loudly, “I arrest you, you are 
under arrest I say,” when they all turned upon the cop 
with broad smiles. “Oh, no, we are not,” they shouted, 
“you’ve got to guess again, ha, ha, ha.” Just then the 
cop caught a view of Basil’s face, whom he very well 
knew, and the boys then had it on the cop all right, 
who found himself greatly embarrassed for making 
such a mistake before all those people. It soon be¬ 
came known that these were great chums who had been 
a long time separated, and the crowd then became 
interested in what they had witnessed. 

The meeting of them all in that way was indeed a 
singular coincident, for Wesley could not have known 
that Jonas and Ellis were to be there; in fact, no word 
had passed between Wesley and the others for nearly 
two months, so busy had they all been, that unneces¬ 
saries had been dispensed with. 

Soon they all were belongings of “Basil’s hotel” 
and a lively adjunct they were for several hours. Each 
one thought he could tell a bigger yarn than any 
other one, each felt that he was as well fixed as the 
others, each considered he could place his bride in as 
delightful a cage as could any of the others. “A self- 


308 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


ish pride” came in right here among this fraternity 
good and true, proving that human nature will assert 
its rights whenever occasion demands or allows, 
whether or not, fraternal fraternity to the contrary 
notwithstanding, pride, ambition and pleasure cannot 
be held down. These boys were not differently en¬ 
dowed from others in this respect. 

Basil decided to remain silent regarding his 
achievement, but coaxed the others to a description of 
theirs, which required all the time available until they 
retired for the night, or perhaps we should say morn¬ 
ing, for it was long past midnight when they said 
goodnight. 

The following day saw them off upon “the Trolley 
car,” which they jocularly termed “Basil's one horse 
shay.” Basil had a special car for the purpose of 
serving his guests and directed it should go straight 
through to the end of the line, not stopping at the 
park until returning. The surprise, even consterna¬ 
tion of the guests, was something worthy of note, as 
they rode on and on mile after mile, until Wesley in¬ 
quired, “if they were bound for New England in that 
car, or was it some foreign shore that Basil was in¬ 
tending to dump them upon? “Upon reaching the 
terminus, Jonas remarked, “a good fifteen mile this, I 
reckon.” 

“Yes,” replied Basil, “and two more added.” 

“Well, well,” remarked Ellis, “this is truly great, 
great indeed, seventeen miles and how many villages 
did we pass through?” 

“Oh,” replied Wesley, “one every mile, sure thing, 
who ever thought there could be such a place for a 
trolley road in this grand old country, and again, what 
kind fate was it that directed you, Basil Carter, over 
among these grand hills where so many people 
reside ?” 

Soon they had returned to the park. Here they 
found hundreds of people coming and going upon the 


309 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


cars, and within the grove, pandemonium seemed let 
loose, with merry-go-rounds, shoot the shoots, ferris 
wheels and fakers of every description. So here was 
evidence prima facie of Basil’s success, ambition to 
excel was receiving here a blow that tended to lower 
the temperature. 

Ellis said but little, but thought a great deal, when 
comparing the earning power of this magnificent lay¬ 
out, and then contemplated what might be the traffic 
afforded the road from the output of all the factories 
they had passed on their trip. He could easily discern 
that the freight traffic would return a greater revenue 
than the passenger fares, although it was plainly ap¬ 
parent that the fare receipts would be immense, espe¬ 
cially during the summer months. 

These boys spent a jolly day of it at the park, re¬ 
maining well into the evening to witnes the effect of 
the lighting facilities and enjoy a moonlight ride upon 
the lake, where a motorboat was in commission for 
that purpose. 

Arriving at their hotel at Enderton about ten 
o’clock, as they were a tired lot they retired soon after. 

Basil had said nothing concerning his home en¬ 
deavor and so greatly amused had they been, it had 
not occurred to them to inquire concerning such 
preparations. 

At the breakfast table, Basil suggested they take a 
walk to the south end of the park and get a little view 
of the town. Many were the favorable comments 
handed out upon the neat appearance of the places as 
they passed along, and when nearing the south end, 
Wesley loudly remarked, '‘By jove, boys, there’s a 
‘blooming location’ for a nice residence and somebody 
is just fool enough to have selected it for his.” 

“That is a ‘corker’ in very truth,” added Ellis. 
“Say, boys, that’s the best ever in this old town,” and 
turning to Basil, “Pity, old boy, you couldn’t have got 


310 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


on to that, secured probably before you found your 
‘pleasing baby\” 

“Yes,” replied Basil, “it was held secure before I 
arrived, and I was told the holder could not be routed.” 

“Oh, then you consider it quite good enough for 
you, old boy,” retorted Wesley. “Don't blame you any, 
but pity you much because you could secure it not, but 
say, Jonas,” continued Wesley, “would not that have 
suited Janice to a ‘biled cup o' tea?' My gracious, but 
I wish Basil had it for her. Land sakes, Basil, what 
are you going to do with Janice? It seems you have 
paid more attention to railroads than you have to her.” 

Jonas had been silent upon this subject, but he had 
not been inattentive. Moreover, he had closely watched 
the demeanor of Basil throughout and he strongly sus- 
picioned that Ellis and Wesley were needlessly con¬ 
cerned for the future welfare of Janice, for he secret¬ 
ly believed here was to be her future home, and Basil 
was playing the part of hector for a bit. 

Soon Basil had led them to the rear of the con¬ 
structed underpinning and called their attention to 
the excellent view the position afforded, when they 
stood and stared and then stared some more. Just 
then one of the workmen approached Basil to ask a 
question concerning the plan he held in his hand, so 
this at once let “the old cat out of the bag.” Wesley 
and Ellis pounced for him with a rush, shouting, 
“Here, old boy, the jig is up, now just treat and do it 
handsomely, quite too often you're leading us that 
kind of a chase. Did you imagine we had become real 
idiots or just simple goslings? Ah, here old boy, now 
come down, ‘the biter is bitten.' You attempted to put 
one more over on us, now just look at the plight you 
may find yourself in, for it is up to us now to get even. 
Ha, ha, ha, and by jove, we'll do it. Perhaps we won't 
have so elegant a cage for our birds, but we will have 
one they can fly in all right, and sing some pretty 

311 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


songs to their nestlings, too, but Master Basil, we just 
won’t tell you all about it.” 

The boys repaired to the hotel and decided to de¬ 
part upon the following morning for their New Eng¬ 
land homes, to enjoy a vacation that they each consid¬ 
ered they truly merited. Each one had now established 
himself upon a sure and secure footing, each had a 
“baby” that was well worth while to nurse and to 
raise, each had a protege that was quite able to pro¬ 
vide good support for himself, his lady and their 
babies. A well-earned matrimonial vacation was 
theirs by all good rights and a jolly quartet they were. 
They each intended to leave business cares behind and 
they vowed each to themselves and to each other, that 
for one good month they would frolic in playful capers 
as when but school boys together, and would make the 
welkin ring in the old town of Greenville and vicin¬ 
ity, as it has not rung since the ending of those happy 
old days. 

Off the boys were upon the early train east, pro¬ 
posing to enjoy one full round of pleasure in the me¬ 
tropolis of the nation, which they would reach soon 
after midday. A theatre of the best sort in the eve¬ 
ning, a stroll about the city in daylight, a visit to the 
notorious “Stock Exchange” and many other things 
of interest, not before having been done by them, and 
reach their old home the second night out. 

It had become known throughout the village 
through the families of the boys, that they were to ar¬ 
rive upon that evening. It also was news of general 
interest, that they were each to take with them their 
brides when next they departed. That the four couples 
were to be married at one and the same session, all 
this had been the talk of the town for months, and 
Madam Grundy had made of it a busy time. There 
was not present, as usually under such conditions, a 
hateful jealous feeling; it may well be said and truly, 
too, that none of the seven who had been raised there 


312 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


were disliked. The newspapers had informed the 
people of the achievement that stood to the credit of 
the boys, and almost to a single unit, did the people re¬ 
spect and admire them, while the girls each and every 
one, were termed by the town society, “just delight¬ 
ful.” Therefore, with such general admiration, what 
might be expected to be the spirit and determination 
pervading the atmosphere, when these jolly boys 
should return for their brides? 

As the reader has already become well aware, the 
whole lives and proceedings of these boys have been 
greatly unusual, the success of the boys has been pro¬ 
ductive of an extended interest in their maneuvers, 
being possessed by all who knew them and many who 
knew only of them through the press accounts. 

As the train rolled into the station with our 
whilom boys aboard, the view from the car windows 
disclosed a bright halo, sufficient to reflect upon the 
low hanging clouds, and which greatly resembled the 
effect of an immense conflagration upon them, all of 
which instantly aroused the pent-up youthful enthu¬ 
siasm of these fun-seeking boys. Thus before the train 
halted they had sought the platform, where before 
them were lined up hundreds of the denizens of the 
town and near vicinity, with a “brass band” ready to 
peal forth at the halting of the car wheels, but they 
were forstalled by the boys who sent up a cheer and 
a shout, soon interrupted by the band in “Home again, 
home again from a foreign shore,” when, with every¬ 
body joining in at the top capacity of their lungs, the 
volume of sound was believed to be sufficient to make 
tremble the wooden railway station so near, while red 
fire and candles filled the air, with an occasional bomb 
and rocket. 

The crowd stood back from the platform, that be¬ 
ing occupied mostly by the immediate friends and 
relatives of the returning prodigals, into the midst of 
whom the boys jumped without fear or favor. Thus, 

313 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


everybody was being hugged and kissed by everybody 
else who happened along and regardless, the betrothed 
girls all being present and receiving their share and 
perhaps then some. It was conceded the j oiliest hap¬ 
pening that ever happened in that town by all the old 
residents, who claimed to know a good deal about 
things and especially the science of osculation. With 
the loud music of the band nobody pretended to hear 
anything, and it may be doubted that anyone desired 
to. The sense of feeling appeared to be sufficient for 
the time thereof, talking would do for some other day. 

But like all other “perfectly delightful occasions,” 
this one soon reached its age limit and vehicles ap¬ 
peared at one end of the platform, with the two lead¬ 
ing ones especially designed, for the guests of the occa¬ 
sion and their sweethearts or “brides-to-be.” The 
two vehicles immediately following were for the 
parents and families of the guests, and while being 
led by the band, negotiated all the principal streets 
of the town, bringing up at the spacious Town House, 
where a choice and extensive collation was awaiting 
them, to be served up with steaming chaldrons and 
pretty girls, after which an after-lunch speech was 
called for and given by each of the four boys. Ellis 
must now be considered as “one of the boys,” although 
not one of the original ones, or a member of “The 
Triple Alliance” in full standing. Nevertheless, one 
of the girls was his and that made him eligible for 
anything in the line of demonstration equally with 
the others; in fact, the boys all regarded him as “part 
and parcel” of the full combination, for why should 
he not be when he had secured full right and title to 
one of those infinite twins, which one might yet have 
to be determined. 

Society had been greatly exercised concerning 
the identity of the twins, especially respecting the 
boys' identity of their own girls. The joke here yet 
remained upon the boys, and the girls alone could 


314 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


be certain of their color, because, really, the boys 
were yet at the mercy of the girls for proper adjust¬ 
ment in indentification, but it concerned them very 
little and they might be said to be equally well sat¬ 
isfied whichever should come to them. Thus, it was 
yet for each of the girls to decree, as to whether she 
should take the name of Kent or Slayton, and 
whether her husband’s surname should be Jonas or 
Ellis. Everybody knew this condition and there were 
doubts yet as to how they would finally line up. 
Some had claimed to notice “special attention” con¬ 
ferred upon one of the boys by Bella, when another 
had asserted that outward indications by Betty had 
favored the same one and then again, these condi¬ 
tions were reversed in the opinion of other observers, 
thus society gossip of the town was all'at sea, as to 
who’s who, and “what do you really know about it?” 
With all the speculation practiced, who shall say 
that the further and more intimate acquaintances of 
these four people, may not have brought about the 
discovery of a preference, though slight it may have 
been on the part of the girls? It will be remem¬ 
bered that it was Jonas and Bella that had been sup¬ 
posed to be paired off, but stranger things have hap¬ 
pened than that the girls decided to swap boys, and 
it was the appearances that could lead up to this 
that had so confused society regarding what might 
be the final outcome, thus causing the situation to 
become thoroughly interesting. 

The pace for these young people during the next 
few days was bound to be a fast one—a thousand 
and one matters needed attention. The pressure 
would be greatly more than were but one couple to 
be wedded, a multiplicity of minds were here in¬ 
volved upon each and every question arising, in 
preparation for the occasion, as, Where shall the 
ceremony take place? What clergyman shall offi¬ 
ciate? Shall a ring be used? At what house shall it 


315 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


occur? What about a reception thereafter? Shall 
there be music present and dancing? Shall the re¬ 
ception festivities be complete in one, or shall they 
be held separately at the home of the brides? there¬ 
by causing the guests to attend three different re¬ 
ceptions in one evening. Of course the twins would 
naturally bring about a double header. Singularly 
enough, there were adherents to all phases of the 
case, but they were not insistent. 

A general invitation to the wedding ceremony 
was given through the local press, this to occur in 
the “old meetin’ house” where most of the parties in¬ 
volved had been brought up to attend, and this of 
the Congregational persuasion. One of the families, 
however, were Methodists, but they considered it 
fair that the majority should rule, only insisting up¬ 
on the participation in the ceremony by their own 
minister. The affair, taken all together, was consid¬ 
ered as a unique one and more than interesting. It 
was exciting to a high degree, it was the subject 
matter in conversation throughout the neighborhood, 
and very little else was considered worthy of note, 
indeed, were an interview commenced upon another 
subject, it soon had drifted into the important matter 
of the time. 

A “Quadruplex Wedding” was more than un¬ 
usual, it was unprecedented, in that section espe¬ 
cially, and the complexity brought about, by the 
presence of practically an unidentifiable pair of 
twins, which may have made it a peer of its kind 
throughout the nation. The circumstances had be¬ 
come notorious as subject matter among associated 
press reports, inasmuch, as there were eight people 
directly involved in a wedding that would bring 
about a relationship, which would be a problem more 
or less difficult to satisfactorily solve, and again, to 
add the business relationship existent, which in it¬ 
self also furnished an equally unique situation, thus 


316 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


completely unifying the whole bunch socially and 
commercially, and yet, it had been so arranged that 
each pair were to be absolutely independent and as 
distinctive, in matters involving their actions and 
possessions, as though they never had met or known 
of each other's existence. 

The wedding plans were finally complete. All 
were completely satisfied with the lay-out, which 
had been brought about with some concessions from 
all the parties involved. 

The hall of a large faternal society had been 
donated for the reception, which it had been decided 
should be complete in one, as this hall contained 
facilities for everything contemplated in the plans. 

The wedding ceremony was to be solemnized in 
the church at five-thirty o'clock, when the Congre¬ 
gational minister was to pronounce the word of unity 
for each couple, the Methodist minister to offer the 
prayer and invoke the blessing upon each couple 
separately. But a stipulation was injected that the 
ministers were not to kiss the brides, because as 
Ellis expressed it, “the physical requirement would 
over burden the available physique and make the 
duty an unpleasant one." We hear the reader re¬ 
mark, “how very considerate." 

After the wedding, the invited guests were to re¬ 
pair to the dining-hall of the club, where an elabo¬ 
rate collation should be served by a “city chef" at 
six o'clock. At seven-thirty the reception proper 
should commence in assembly hall. At nine o’clock 
music for dancing should be provided, at eleven the 
leave-taking, before proceeding to the station to 
board the eleven-thirty south. The day of the week 
appointed was Friday, being purposely selected, as 
Wesley said, “to overcome and rout the traditional 
superstition that the day boded good to no one, but 
evil to all anticipations." 

The day arrived and the hour became due. The 
317 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


crowd assembled and the clergymen were in waiting. 
A carriage for each couple had been provided and 
soon someone standing upon the steps leading to the 
church entrance discovered four public vehicles, 
each flying a sizable American flag, approaching 
from the upper end of Main Street, preceded by a 
carriage conveying two appropriately dressed 
buglers, who continuously sent forth their warning 
anouncement. 

The families directly involved lived not all in 
the same part of the town, but it had been arranged 
to have the carriages all meet with their “happy 
burdens”, at a place where they could all in line, pro¬ 
ceed together to the church. 

The expectant visitors were all comfortably 
well seated before the arrival of the principals of the 
occasion, and not having been advised of outside ar¬ 
rangements, had upon hearing the bugle blasts be¬ 
come greatly excited, because something was occur¬ 
ring outside that they were missing and yet, dared 
not leave their seats for many were standing. 

Not in the usual way did these unusual young 
people elect to do things. There was to be no paren¬ 
tal giving away of the betrothed daughter, they were 
to depart from their homes as though going out for 
a drive, with just the pleasure of the ride and com¬ 
panionship, of the one dearer than all else, and they 
were, according to schedule, to leave the church in 
the same company as when arriving and then, to 
leave the reception hall for the railway station like¬ 
wise. In brief, the boy and the girl were to be just 
they and they alone, as Wesley expressed it, “We 
are to be, We, Us and Co. hereafter, so why not 
begin now and get used to it, while we have the 
time and a good opportunity?” 

The carriages approached the church, as if to 
deliver their occupants to attend ordinary services. 
A few people loitered about, intending to enter after 


318 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


the marriage participants, just to witness while 
standing near the door, the actual tying of the knots, 
as seats had not been available for at least a half 
hour. 

A couple of ushers cleared the way as the first 
carriage delivered its load upon the curbing, then 
proceeded to enter the church a few feet in advance; 
when the couple in the second carriage were upon 
the curbing, another pair of ushers stepped before 
them and proceeded as had the others, with slow 
and measured tread, and the same process followed 
the alighting of the other two couples. Thus, when 
the first couple had reached the altar, the last couple 
were just entering the audience-room door. While it 
might be of interest to our lady readers, especially 
of the younger set, to learn something of the trous¬ 
seaus, we shall leave that to their competent im¬ 
agination, believing, that would more accurately 
inform them than were we to attempt a description. 

The position of the respective couples had been 
arranged as to age of the boys. Basil, being the 
oldest, with Janice, came first, then Ellis with whom, 
now they, the spectators, were all on the quivive in 
endeavor to decide which one of the twins was lean¬ 
ing upon his arm; some said it was Bella, others felt 
it was Betty, while there were others who declared 
‘fit was idle to attempt identity, for it simply could 
not be done.” 

Wesley and Sybil soon were the targets for re¬ 
marks, but of course not such as the previous couple 
had called forth. Really, the crowd were eager to 
discover some clue to the identity of the other twin, 
by a comparison with the one who had already en¬ 
tered, when she should come into view, thus Wesley 
and Sybil were but slightly remarked upon. 

Jonas Kent soon stalked up the aisle, tall and 
handsome, with something immensely attractive up¬ 
on his arm, and for the life of them, the “society peo- 

319 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


pie” could not detect one iota of difference in the 
attire, and certainly not in the face, for the bridal- 
veil obscured that to a considerable extent, but had 
it not, few, if any, would have been the wiser and 
many of them well knew it, for they had not been 
able to definitely identify them in everyday meeting 
upon the street, but now many of the people present 
assumed to know “which from t’other,” with such 
remarks as: 

“There, I know well enough that is Betty Hart 
that is coming up, there, I told you the first one was 
Bella, and now I know it was.” 

“But,” replied another, “I don’t believe it, I say 
that first one was Betty, I know by the way she car¬ 
ried her head as she walked.” 

“But—but—” retorted the first speaker, “that is 
not the fellow she has generally been out with.” 

“How can you say that, when you have never 
been certain which was which, whenever you have 
met them?” 

“Well, you just wait and hear what name the 
minister uses with her,” retorted the other, and that 
seemed the only sensible thing to do. Every ear was 
now put upon its good behavior. It had been the 
subject of much discussion among the people of the 
neighborhood, especially since the last return of the 
boys; as to the correctness of the suspicion that there 
may have been an exchange of fellows by the girls; 
none could determine, no reasonable ground ap¬ 
peared for it, only an imagination that appearances 
upon certain occasions had indicated a preference, 
that was believed by some to favor other than the 
one supposed to be “the one.” 

The ceremonies had commenced, and had a faker 
been present, with a large number of ear trumpets 
or hearing devices of any kind, he could easily and 
quickly have unloaded his stock, for all depended 
now in identifying the puzzling twins, upon hearing 


320 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 

the name pronounced when the important question 
was put. 

Basil Carter and Janice Kent were the first to be 
dealt with and passed up as one, “forever and for¬ 
ever so long as life doth last.” Now comes the sus¬ 
pense, and many were the ears having the backing 
of a hand, that no sound should pass it by. The min¬ 
ister, knowing there was much doubt as to which 
twin this might be and enjoying the joke immensely 
himself, took no pains to elevate his voice, if any¬ 
thing, reduced the volume of sound, to the annoy¬ 
ance and even the anger of some of the most anxious 
and persistent ones, who had declared so positively 
their impressions. 

Ellis and his companion had been moulded into 
one, and yet the people, with very few exceptions, if 
exceptions there were at all, had heard not the 
name of the lady involved. Exclamations were 
plenty, such as “it’s a burning outrage, that minister 
losing his voice power just at the critical moment;” 
another, “I say, he's just horrid, awfully horrid.” 
Another considered it the duty of someone to protest 
against such unusual proceedings, but the show pro¬ 
ceeded, nevertheless. 

Wesley and Sybil were now being carved into 
one, as the minister had suddenly and completely 
found his voice. Nearly every person in the room 
heard Sybil's name and this made the other short¬ 
coming appear all the more flagrant. One was heard 
to remark: “I shall tell that minister what I think of 
him for withholding the name of the bride of that 
second couple, I don’t believe that wedding was 
legal anyway.” 

Jonas, the last but not least in physical and 
pleasing appearance, now looked fondly down upon 
the charming lady at his side, as the minister began 
the solemn words that were to seal his fate with that 
of the “unknown” lady, who so greatly enjoyed the 


11 


321 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


perplexity of the people as to her identity. Appar¬ 
ently “the parson” had again lost his voice, as the 
people there assembled had not heard the name of 
the bride, and much disgust was now present, for 
both of those “fun loving twins” had been married, 
right under the noses of their former associates and 
neighbors, without revealing which was which, 
thereby leaving those anxious people to “guess, if 
you can,” whoever my husband may be and what¬ 
ever the name I bear. 

This sly farce could be carried through to the 
end of the game, but those who were to be present at 
the dinner were to be rewarded for their presence, 
by a sign in the shape of a monogram heart, large 
and plain, hanging from the neck by a chain, “B. Y. 
K.” for one, and “B. A. S.” upon the other, but these 
hearts had not been worn at the wedding, thus the 
people were left to nurse their wrath until later re¬ 
lieved, and many did not later tumble to the mono¬ 
gram, until it was explained by others who were 
more acute in their detection. Thus these inimitable 
twins had, to the end, continued to perpetrate their 
“non-identity joke.” After dinner many were the 
scoldings, “that precious pair” received from their 
former acquaintances, but they did not set heavy, 
however, and likely had been forgiven before the 
parting hour, when the goodbys were said to “Mrs. 
Kent and Mrs. Slayton,” no more to be addressed as 
Bella and Betty. 

At the dinner, the two parsons appeared in a de¬ 
cidedly jollifying mood, and being naturally dry, par¬ 
ried well any blows struck at the loss of voice in the 
marriage ceremony, and otherwise gave to the occa¬ 
sion much jest and real sport, largely dwelling upon 
the happy finale of “The Quadruplex Wedding,” where 
it was believed by all present, more real joy had been 
experienced, than at any other occasion ever happen¬ 
ing in that old town. 


322 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


The reception following the dinner was likewise 
a success. How could it be otherwise, with so many 
and congenial people to receive? It was moreover, 
everybody's circus with eight clowns in the ring and 
not a mule present, while there was no room for an¬ 
other Jack. 

At nine o'clock the reception ceased and the hop 
began. This hop was not altogether a hop of the 
young, gray heads were plenty among that throng 
and they just “hopped," it was no walk with them. 
The young people were some ashamed of their defi¬ 
ciency as they admired the agility of those old people. 
Even the real “clog dancer' was there present and the 
floor was spanked hard and often. The brides were 
much sought after in the dance and their cards were 
full from near the start. 

At ten-forty-five the dance ceased. It was time to 
begin upon the adieus. This was to be not a reception 
goodnight, but a parting salute, with much osculation 
sprinkled in, while as it progressed, many eyes were 
wet with tears, rather paradoxical this, as the ending 
of “so happy an occasion." But all had loved this 
coterie of young people and now they were to perma¬ 
nently depart the town as their home. It seemed truly, 
as it really was, “a sad parting of the ways." 

Basil had wired to Enderton for two public con¬ 
veyances to meet them at the station. Also had wired 
a caterer to serve for them at his new home a perfect¬ 
ly proper dinner. This home had been completed but 
a few days preceding their arrival, but it may be re¬ 
called by the reader, that Basil “was some man in that 
community," really, “the railroad magnate of Urban 
Valley," thus, all were ready to jump at his bidding, 
knowing full well the compensation would be good 
and prompt. 

When leaving the train, a large concourse of peo¬ 
ple met their vision. Something out of the usual 
course was to appear on the platform, when that par- 


323 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ticular train rolled in, and whoever knew of any un¬ 
usual happening to happen, if heralded at all, when 
there was not present a sizable bunch of humanity to 
witness it? Of course the orders received over the 
wire had heralded the coming of “the magnate,” with 
his happy, and as they had in imagination, “beautiful 
bride,” for whatever else could this youthful railroad 
magnate be supposed to have alongside, but they knew 
not of the coming of a carload of bridal couples, and 
as they appeared one after another upon the platform, 
all appearing to be chaperoned by Mr. Carter, the 
crowd present looked aghast, indeed, this was more 
than any Madam Grundy had ever bargained for. 
What in the world had taken place, what was really 
coming to this old town? It certainly could not be a 
circus, or a minstrel troupe, but before they could all 
pull themselves together sufficient to realize just what 
was passing, the motor cars had received their loads 
and disappeared down the street, but they all well 
knew the objective point, “the little palace on the hill” 
was to have abundant opening, upon making its debut 
as a home. 

Some of the lively spirits of the town at once be¬ 
came busy. Surely, such a happening as that should 
not be allowed to alone entertain itself. A rousing 
serenade must be given that jolly bunch and “a full 
brass band” was engaged forthwith, to escort that jolly 
band of serenaders from a down-town hall to the ex¬ 
tensive and sightly grounds of “the home-coming 
bride and groom,” then orders were wired to the big 
city for an abundance of “fireworks,” to be sent out 
on the first train. 

The caterer had taken his cue from these extensive 
preparations, and equipped himself with sufficient of 
certain necessary commodities, to feed that crowd of 
serenaders. He was taking no chances in so doing, 
knowing full well that whatever might be furnished 
for the occasion, would meet with Mr. Carter’s ap- 


324 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


proval. “The mayoi' of the little city” was also 
groomed for a speech of welcome, in behalf of the citi¬ 
zens of the town. 

Basil had instructed the drivers of the cars to 
proceed slowly as they left the station platform, and 
in recognizing many of the townspeople, lifted his hat 
and graciously bowed; when passing down past the 
long park with its beautiful shade, many and constant 
were the exclamations of those in the cars concerning 
the beauty of the place. Although having before 
passed down this lovely street, it seemed now to more 
completely impress Basil's male guests than upon the 
former occasion. 

Upon the arrival of the party upon the extensive 
domain of Basil Carter, the boys were convulsed with 
ecstasy at the changed appearance of the premises. 
Moreover, Basil himself was much elated at the effect 
produced in the completion of his own plans; although 
the seeding of the large lawn had not yet added its 
part to the landscape view, it could be imagined what 
the effect of its green carpet would add to the sum 
total. A lovely home, indeed, had been wrought from 
out of the ashes of the ancient structure, that appar¬ 
ently had occupied the site for generations, the most 
lovely and conspicuous location in the whole city, as 
all had regarded it, was now the pride of the town. 
Moreover, it reflected much credit upon the present 
owner, for the excellent taste displayed in its full 
lay-out. 

The party entered the house with their cups of joy 
overflowing. No expense had been spared in the deco¬ 
ration, much of which had been left with the taste of 
the decorator, who was considered no slouch at his 
profession, thus, the appointments were, when taken 
all together, above and beyond criticism. In view of all 
that appeared before their vision, the members of this 
happy party just went wild with enthusiasm, demon¬ 
strated by embracing each other, regardless. As we 


325 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


have said before, the structure was not overlarge but 
was really overnice, and this meant all the more cosy 
for a young couple. 

Janice was so greatly overcome at what she beheld, 
and knowing it to be hers, “her permanent earthly 
home,” that her tongue refused to tell what thoughts 
were concealed within, and* the tears coursing down 
each cheek but faintly expressed the gratitude pent 
up within her being, and which the tongue should ex¬ 
press, to convey to her associates her full appreciation, 
while the prominent thoughts of Janice were, will the 
other girls have as good, and her fervent wish was 
that they should. 

“Oh, Basil, Basil,” she shouted, as if in full contri¬ 
tion, “what have I done to merit all this elegance?” 

“Dinner is served,” was announced, when the ele¬ 
gant dining-room absorbed their best attention for a 
full half hour, and before rising from the table, music 
was heard approaching from far down the street. As 
it neared the premises “red fire, candles and rockets” 
filled the air. Almost simultaneously, a squad of men 
entered the grounds with dozens of Chinese lanterns 
all strung upon wires, which soon were suspended 
from the abundant trees. Thus the grounds were bril¬ 
liantly lighted when the procession arrived. 

It was indeed a gala night for that rural city and 
cheers rent the atmosphere time after time, after 
which the band struck up “Home, Home, Sweet Home,” 
accompanied by the vocal power of a thousand people, 
during which “the mayor proceeded to the spacious 
veranda, where were the guests of the occasion already 
assembled. 

As the music ceased, the mayor with a round, full 
voice, made an address of welcome that will ever be 
remembered, so long as the present generation and 
their offspring shall remain to gladly tell the story. 
Immediately upon the conclusion of this address, an¬ 
other quickly mounted the steps, faced the crowd, 


326 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


waved his hands and turned to greet Basil, when the 
immense throng roared at the top of their voices. 

“Ah, ra, ah, ra, ah, ra for ‘Darius Green and his 
talking machine/ Give him a chance for he never was 
mean, he started the ball with his political machine, 
another one rolled it to assist Mr. Green.” 

After greeting Basil, his wife and his guests, the 
old man turned to the crowd, and seemingly inspired 
for the occasion, made a ten-minute speech that might 
make many another blush for inefficiency. Although 
not couched in especially fine dialect, his remarks 
were greatly to the point and immensely enjoyed by 
all within hearing. 

Basil then stepped forward and immediately a 
hearty cheer broke forth. Quite a bit of humor was 
injected into his speech, especially concerning his 
friend Mr. Green, whom he said had but needed a 
“Yankee” to help him out of a sea of trouble and a 
multitude of vexations. But alluding to his own ef¬ 
forts, he assumed a strictly modest and retiring atti¬ 
tude, expressing his belief that the people had greatly 
overestimated his own importance, in the matter they 
were out to celebrate their appreciation of. 

While these exercises were being put over upon the 
front porch and lawn, a squad were busy in the rear 
of the house, which had also been lighted; here were 
long lines of tables with suitable and plentiful pro¬ 
visions upon them, to satisfy any hunger that the vo¬ 
ciferous shouting and long tramp may have produced, 
and soon all were standing about the tables and in¬ 
vited to help themselves, when it was noticed that no 
second invitation seemed necessary and as the hall 
clock struck eleven, the band marched away with: 

“Oh, yes, I’m glad I come and some day I’ll come 
again. I cannot tell just how and do not know just 
when.” 

The following morning, Basil entertained his 
guests by a ride over the line with a stop at the park, 


327 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


where, of course, there was now but a small crowd, 
the outing season being nearly over. After an hour 
or so they again repaired to Basil's home to visit, as 
the guests were to depart upon the following morning. 

All were now anxious to reach their own homes. 
The boys knew pretty well what they were to find, but 
the brides had been given but a comparatively meager 
description, thus truly they now believed, Janice pos¬ 
sessed a most elegant and satisfying home, so far as 
the structure and appointments were concerned. But 
as Sybil was inclined to view it, the spirit within the 
home is really, the only true incentive to real and sat¬ 
isfying happiness. She doubted not that the proper 
spirit to make a happy home was present with Janice 
and her brother, reasoning, that they were certain to 
be happy, but also, could not she and Wesley be quite 
as happy with more modest environments? She de¬ 
cided that they could and would, having faith to be¬ 
lieve that Wesley would provide for her, a quite fitting 
and equally pleasing place of abode. Why should she 
concern herself about that anyway, and resolved to 
think no more about it. 

The twins were yet too fun-loving to bring them¬ 
selves down to serious musing, concerning any com¬ 
parison with what they might find to that they had 
witnessed as the home of Janice. 

Bella would be the next to leave the travelers with 
Ellis at St. Louis. All knew that she was to become 
mistress of a well-settled home in an ancient city, but 
Ellis had told her he had replaced some of the fur¬ 
nishings wfith more modern patterns, and while Basil 
had a new home complete, he did not think it excelled 
his in satisfying one’s anticipation. Bella had told 
him “it makes little difference whatever the structure 
is, it is you alone that will make for me a happy 
home.” Bella had now come to believe that there was 
a preference, she now could distinguish a sentiment 
more in touch with her own in Ellis, than she had done 


328 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


before when she and Betty had decided, that to them 
there was a difference in the temperament of the two 
boys and that they were paired off wrongly, thus, they 
had finally acted in accordance with honest intuition. 

Having taken an affectionate leave of Basil and 
Janice, our remaining travelers were off for the dis¬ 
tant west, or perhaps it were better to say “south¬ 
west.” All this view of country was furnishing a new 
experience* for these girls had seldom been out of 
their own county, an experience which they 
greatly enjoyed, and the ride to Dayton, where 
they decided to stop overnight, and thus ride 
only by daylight, was furnishing worlds of entertain¬ 
ment to these young ladies. The day following was 
as greatly enjoyed, when at five-thirty their train 
rolled into the St. Louis Union station. 

Ellis had not become thoroughly settled and fully 
equipped before leaving for the east for his bride. He 
had put the house in order but the exterior he had not 
provided for. An automobile was now coming to be 
indispensable to a full-grown establishment, but this 
he had not. Of course, Jonas and Wesley with their 
brides were to become his guests for a day or two and 
he fully realized that he could command no such dem¬ 
onstration as had Basil. 

Ellis was a comparative stranger in St. Louis and 
St. Louis was some town, while demonstrations of the 
sort that had serenaded Basil,seldom occurred in the 
big cities, except in political rallies, thus our people 
were here expecting to enjoy a more quiet season dur¬ 
ing their stay and perhaps a more sober one, for here 
the heretofore “inseparable twins” were booked to 
part. The one to remain, the other due in far-away 
Texas. It was expected the parting scene would be af¬ 
fecting to a high degree, and more so, perhaps, be¬ 
cause of natural conditions arising from the general 
belief, that one extreme is likely to be followed by an¬ 
other. These girls had ever acted in the belief that to 

329 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


properly treat care was to hang it high as Haman and 
“let the wide world wag as it would, to be gay and 
happy is what one should.” 

A public conveyance soon had transferred our tour¬ 
ists to the beautiful home, Ellis had in waiting for his 
darling Bella and their bosom friends. 

Ellis had wired ahead as Basil had done, which 
had insured them a pleasing reception and an excel¬ 
lent repast, to repair the ravages upon their stomachs 
made by their long day’s ride, and until the inner 
man had been thoroughly satisfied, no explorations 
whatever were attempted. 

We have said our people were to enjoy a quiet and 
perhaps sober evening, and this simply illustrates 
however much we can know, of what may be just be 
fore us. 

Ellis remarked in a casual way, “Something is go¬ 
ing on in the city, hear that band,” when they all lis¬ 
tened and Bella sprang to the door. A moment later 
she had called to Ellis, remarking, “There are some 
men out there in the grounds who seem to be string¬ 
ing a wire along, what do you think they are doing?” 

“Wait a few moments,” replied Ellis, “and per¬ 
haps we can determine. That is what was done at 
Basil’s, you know. By jove,” he added, “now I know 
that band of music is to serenade us. You just see if 
it don’t, and that is the advance guard out in the lot 
stringing wires for lighting the grounds. By jove, 
Bella, we must get busy to provide entertainment. We 
can’t be caught napping, so let me get the telephone. 
Boys, for gracious sake, we are in for it, that music 
is coming here. Let’s get a move on for what we can 
do. By jove, but I bet I know who started that and he 
shan’t catch me a napping and forever hold it over 
on me.” 

“Hullo, is this Simpkins, the caterer, well, can you 
serve up four hundred in half an hour on my lawn, 
with coffee, cheese and doughnuts? Yes ‘Slayton place’ 


330 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


on the hill, why yes, it is a serenading party led by a 
brass band. Yes, on the way now, perhaps so, will 
try to hold them by speech making, yes, well, inside of 
an hour from now. All right, wade in, a long table on 
the lawn rear of the house, yes, goodby.” 

The sound of music each moment became more dis¬ 
tinct, until it had approached within three or four 
blocks, when it ceased altogether, but this did not de¬ 
ceive those in expectant waiting. It was now past 
eight-thirty o'clock. Ellis tripped out across the lawn, 
approaching a man near the gateway who had been 
engaged in stringing those wires and inquired, if he 
had any idea of how many people were to be present. 
His reply was not very definite, but enough to con¬ 
vince Ellis that his order to the caterer had not been 
sufficient. So to the 'phone again. “Hullo, Simpkins? 
Ah, just leaving, well I did not make the order big 
enough, must add two hundred, yes, well I don't want 
to be caught napping. Yes, they will be here in ten 
or fifteen minutes, only three or four blocks away now, 
yes, well get a move on." 

Soon the music again burst forth only midway of 
the next block. At the same instant the whole lawn 
was ablaze with electric light, and as the band ap¬ 
proached with the first comer to “the Slayton prem¬ 
ises," red fire, rockets and candles filled the air, the 
band playing “Johnny has just come home again and 
brought his bonnie bride." 

Soon the procession, six hundred good and strong, 
had assembled upon the spacious lawn, cheers for the 
“Yankee bride," cheers for the “Slayton heir," and 
cheers for “a good old Yankee serenade." 

The occupants of the house were all seated upon 
the veranda, as the procession drew up, and when 
quieted down, three young men in bright regalia 
stepped forward from the crowd, each carrying an im¬ 
mense bouquet in one hand, with a crescent-shaped 
pedestal and spring fitted to the head, bearing a cres- 

331 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


cent of Jacqueminots in the other. Approaching the 
veranda, each one made for one of the ladies, present¬ 
ing the bouquet, and then adjusting the crescent to the 
head and making their bows, when the crowd sent up 
a cheer, as the band played “All honor to the Queen.” 

Ellis stepped forward to welcome the people, one 
and all, but before he could proceed, another cheer 
broke out for the Slayton heir, when he waved his 
arms as if to bespeak silence and laughingly said: “My 
dear neighbors and friends, I had planned to talk to 
you a bit about what I know of married life, but you 
have forestalled me in the greeting you have accorded, 
for it has told me that I have your sympathies, and 
that you are strongly inclined to extend congratula¬ 
tions, whenever you may have become satisfied that 
they are due me. I am happy, however, in the belief 
that when I have introduced to you all, the lady who 
now has the sole right to claim the position of being 
the best half, in the combination of units so recently 
centralized in one, you will fully appreciate what 
must have been the delicately strenuous efforts put 
forth upon my part, in successfully effecting this com¬ 
bination, and that you will then consider it a forced 
but solemn duty, to extend to the lady thus unhappily 
punished for her daring, your heartfelt, but cruel con¬ 
dolences, and I feel certain that she will appreciate 
fully, your delicate regard for her in her unfortunate 
mesalliance. 

“We are both enthusiastically pleased at the sig¬ 
nificant display accorded so insignificant an object, 
and verily are prone to think that somewhere in your 
sky parlors is located, a supreme bunch of over-appre- 
ciativeness, but have to thank you all the same, as 
though you had not acquired that failing. Allow me 
now, if you will, kind friends, to present for your ten¬ 
der and appreciative consideration, the lady whom 
you have all come out to salute, and who, I think, will 
not blush with shame because a cruel fate has decreed, 


332 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


that she should become the better and greater part of 
yours truly.” 

Bella stepping forward with radiant smiles and 
graciously bowing, Ellis continued, “Mrs. Ellis Slay¬ 
ton, if you please, kind friends, the Yankee, full 
fledged, from Yankeedom, U. S. A., whom I, Ellis 
Slayton, have with the assistance of a kindly fate 
been able to bring hither, for your kind and tender 
consideration as a proper acquisition to St. Louis so¬ 
ciety.” Cheers were loudly given for “Mrs. Ellis Slay¬ 
ton” and her noble little boy, while the drums beat the 
tattoo and the bugles tooted. 

Ellis introduced Jonas at this point as my “Yankee 
brother-in-law,” whom I regard as an able assistant 
in my personal endeavor, to sprinkle the southwest 
with the blood of the “traditionally enterprising 
Yankee.” Cheers for “the invincible Yankee,” when 
Jonas gave them a spicy little speech, alluding to the 
trouble they had experienced in identifying their 
sweethearts, and set it out in so humorous a manner 
that the crowd often interrupted to cheer. The de¬ 
scription was regarded as an exceptionally novel one, 
as seldom had a crowd listened to or heard of such 
confusion being brought by “just a pair of twins,” but 
as Jonas introduced his bride with Bella and Betty 
standing side by side, all present could easily compre¬ 
hend the situation Jonas had described, while great 
merriment followed as the humorous incident, began 
to sink deeper into the pleasing impression that had 
been effected. 

Wesley and his bride were then introduced, as an¬ 
other pair of “veritable Yankees,” but as the crowd 
had been standing for quite a period of time, Wesley 
said but a few words, which were in the line of appre¬ 
ciation for the deference and cordiality shown them 
by the visiting assembly. 

Ellis now stepped forward and cordially invited 
the visitors to repair to the rear lawn and prove them- 


333 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


selves, as good workers as they had been listeners, and 
not attempt to utilize their vocal organs while upon 
the job set before them, because it would seriously 
interfere with their ability to masticate, thus making 
him liable under the law, “for supplying ammunition 
with which to produce acute indigestion.” 

We shall now leave the Harts awaiting their 
train and go with the Kents to their cattle and sheep. 

Arriving at Fort Worth, about mid-afternoon the 
following day, upon leaving the train Jonas at once 
secured a public conveyance to take them to their hotel. 

Jonas had wired his friend, Mr. Hardy, to engage 
a good housekeeper and arrange to have her call at 
the hotel, the day following the day he named as the 
time of their arrival. He realized they had a job be¬ 
fore them in selecting “the full furnishings” for their 
home and an experienced housekeeper would aid them 
greatly in making their selections. 

Betty realized that she was tired, and then some 
more, after enduring so long a journey. A light lunch 
was served in their room and they gave themselves 
over to a recuperative process for the remainder of 
the day, desiring to be quite fresh when beginning 
their home furnishings. Both realized that several 
days of hard work were ahead. They were both equally 
determined to acquire as perfect an effect in making 
their selections, as had been done at Basil’s and Ellis’s 
homes. Jonas was not one bit satisfied with something 
“most as good” and believed his prospects in earning 
power were equally as good as those of his associates, 
declaring, his wife should not be called upon to play 
“second fiddle” to any of the others. It will be remem¬ 
bered by the reader, however, that he had not brought 
back with him, the girl that he had in mind when plan¬ 
ning out his home. It had been Bella that was then 
supposed to become mistress, of the elegant home he 
had been so proud of in planning. However, that was 
now history and Betty was none the less welcome, be- 


334 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


cause his ideal then had borne another name. Jonas 
mused that “his Betty”, was quite as good and merited 
as much as had “his Bella,” and was determined to 
pull it over for her, not only what he had now to pre¬ 
sent her as her home, but future needs and desires. 

The following morning, the housekeeper selected 
by Mr. Hardy appeared at the hotel and inquired for 
Mr. Kent, who soon met her with a smile that it after¬ 
ward developed had struck deep into her good graces. 
Jonas immediately escorted her to the ladies' parlor 
and introduced her to Betty, who in turn was delighted, 
with the first impression of her and the lady appeared 
equally well pleased with Betty. So here seemed to be 
a lay-out promising well at the start. 

They were now off for the furnishing stores and 
made good time in securing their needs. Those things 
most needed as a starter were purchased in early part 
of the day, that they should be certain of delivery be¬ 
fore night, for these people were determined to spend 
the second night in their own new home. After resting 
awhile at lunch time, again they went at the purchase 
of the smaller articles, and before the sun settled be¬ 
hind the distant hills, they had secured sufficient for 
their present needs. 

Drapery hangers had been upon the job all the 
afternoon. The hard and glossy floors needed no car¬ 
pets, but before their arrival had been well sprinkled 
with costly and pretty patterns in rugs and the furni¬ 
ture had all been set in. Thus, when for the first time 
Mrs. Betty Kent entered her new home, it certainly 
had a full and charming home appearance. As she 
entered the reception room and cast one glance around, 
she stood quite aghast for several moments, gazing at 
the charming effect before her, then as if some sudden 
inspiration had seized her, she made a bound for Jonas, 
throwing her arms about his neck and almost scream¬ 
ing, “Why have you made all this possible for me, why 
have you, and why did you think I merited it all?” 

335 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Jonas, to hector a bit, replied “I did not prepare 
this cage for you, Betty, it was Bella for whom I 
made this cage, but as fate was bound to decree, it 
has been another bird that has flown into it, as 
though it mattered not what name the bird might 
carry." 

“Oh, but what an elegant home this is, Jonas 
Kent," retorted Betty, “I shall be so proud of it when 
first Bella and Wesley shall view it, but Bella also 
has a charming home and I am so happy to know 
that. I could not half enjoy mine were hers any the 
less delightful. How could Dame Fortune so favor 
us? What have we, mischievous twins that we are, 
ever done to merit such elegance? I do hope also, 
that Wesley has provided as good a one for Sybil. 
Janice has hers and we ours, Bella and I, and it will 
be only too cruel should Sybil alone of us all, have to 
content with lesser comforts and convenience." 

Mayhap the reader is not so greatly worried con¬ 
cerning Sybil's fate, being conversant of conditions 
Wesley had left behind, when departing east for his 
bonnie bride. 

The following three days Jonas spent about the 
home and in visiting the stores, upon errands for bric- 
a-brac and small wares that seemed to be needed for 
this nitch, and that corner, and something to go here, 
with what shall we put there. 

The women being well installed upon the fourth 
day after their arrival, Jonas boarded the morning 
train to visit the ranch, which it will be remembered 
was located some thirty miles away. Motor cars 
were now coming into this section somewhat and 
Jonas was due to own one, he thought, before long, 
but the roads were so poor at present away from the 
city, that he would postpone the purchase of a pri¬ 
vate conveyance until the following spring, when 
after the roads were settled he would discontinue 


336 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


train patronage, when his own motor should trans¬ 
port him from his home to his ranch. 

Upon arriving at the ranch, Jonas now fully 
realized that the preliminaries of his business career 
were over. He had secured a good productive prop¬ 
erty, an elegant home and the light of his life for 
mistress of that home. What more but apply him¬ 
self with his best endeavor in the interests of “The 
Alliance.” Basil, he knew already had “his chosen 
baby” scoring daily earnings and Jonas would not 
be caught lagging behind, in offering up his tribute 
at the Alliance shrine at the close of the fiscal year, 
and yet, it had been understood between them that 
such was not to begin until the first of March. This 
year had been a year of preparation altogether and 
no tribute was to be expected. It had also been 
recognized that results from ranch business would 
be later in coming in than the others by reason of 
the character of the business, as stock must be born 
and raised before it could be a productive factor, 
but Jonas had in mind to make his contribution at 
the first annual round-up of the Alliance, neverthe¬ 
less. A large amount of young stock had already 
been secured through the energy and activity of Mr. 
Hardy, and now that Jonas himself was directly up¬ 
on the job, there was likely to be much more doing 
in that line. 

After being about a couple of weeks, Jonas had 
learned that a large herd of young stock upon “an 
Arizona ranch,” was to be sold in settlement of an 
estate, therefore, the first train going west had Jonas 
Kent aboard, with his friend Mr. Hardy, and after 
a week’s absence, twelve cars loaded with stock 
were placed upon the siding at the Kent ranch. The 
stock being much of it young and therefore small, 
these cars contained a great number of animals; 
some were loaded with sheep, two contained pigs 
and the remainder young cattle and calves. After 


337 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


being unloaded, these hungry animals at once fell too 
at the rich and abundant feed this ample ranch af¬ 
forded, for‘it had been but lightly stocked. Thus, 
the prospect for rapid growth and fattening was ex¬ 
tremely bright and promising. With what the ranch 
had before received in stock, this late acquisition 
would, with fifteen months’ feeding, make a credit¬ 
able showing in what would be available for mar¬ 
keting. 

Thus, leaving Jonas with his Betty and his herd, 
we bethink Wesley would be delighted in convincing 
the reader, that “his Sybil” was not to be left so far 
behind, and “his baby” was not an idle child. 

Wesley and his bride duly arrived at the Union 
Station in his new home town. They had greatly 
enjoyed the ride over the vast prairies, and espe¬ 
cially Sybil, who had traveled but little and never 
before upon a long journey, but the thought often 
came to her what an endless territory is “these 
United States,” however can I ever again see “old, 
dear old New England.” Oh, it is an eternity away. 
Wesley, however did you manage to stray so far 
away from home, and all alone? It does seem as 
though your heart and ambition would have failed 
you, before reaching this far-off and almost un¬ 
known and unexplored region.” 

“But, Sybil dear,” replied Wesley, “this is not at 
all an unknown section, you are not en route to any 
wilderness, you will find a haven of rest and con¬ 
tentment I’ll wager yet. Our city is not behind any 
that our young friends have selected. Your environ¬ 
ments will be fully equal to theirs, socially speaking, 
and with every convenience at your disposal that 
they possess. If my plans have not miscarried, your 
home will be found to equal theirs, unless it be the 
man of the house may be found ‘wanting’.” 

“Now stop,” retorted Sybil, “you have gone a 
fishing and I will not admit that I married a fisher- 


338 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


man. No ‘Cape Codders/ if you please, upon my 
plate. You are Wesley Hart, and not any simpering 
nincompoop, strolling about scattering nonsensical 
bait to such prattlers as I, for the slim response that 
might accrue therefrom/ , 

“But, my dear Sybil, you are game, sure. I little 
realized you had so much spirit thus available in re¬ 
tort, thus you need coaching but a bit as to your spe¬ 
cialties.” 

The train rolled into the Pueblo station and the 
happy home-comers found in fond waiting, Mr. and 
Mrs. Yates as they launched forth from the pullman. 
Mrs. Yates rushed forward at Wesley as though he 
were a brother, although she was about ten years 
his senior, while Mr. Yates heartily pressed his hand, 
shouting, “All hail to the Yankee bride and groom, 
but pray, quickly present the charming lady, for I 
am just dying to know her.” Sybil had slipped up 
beside Wesley, when he, quickly turning, grasped 
her hand and facing Mrs. Yates, cried; “Behold, if 
you please, the newly-made wife in the charmer that 
I, Wesley Hart, so shrewdly and persistently courted 
among the ‘Yankee hills' and brought forth to assist, 
in peopling the wild and woolly west,” when Mrs. 
Yates and Sybil fell too in a satisfying embrace. 

Wesley had been in frequent communication 
with Mr. Yates as well as with the engineer at the 
mines, and before leaving for the east, they had sev¬ 
eral times gone through the house upon the hill, gen¬ 
erally accompanied by Mrs. Yates, arranging for the 
cleaning and renewing of everything that needed it. 
The former occupants had lived there but little more 
than two years, thus with no young children present, 
very little injury had befallen the elegant furnish¬ 
ings, they being the best that unstinted money could 
purchase. 

It was just at dusk when they had arrived and 
after several moments of exhilarating conversation, 


339 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


they proceeded to the car in waiting outside. The 
principal streets were already lighted and as they 
coursed along, a ways out of the city center, the 
streets were as yet quite dim, but beyond and up 
upon the terrace the new house, fully lighted, caught 
Sybil's wondering eye. “Oh, what a lovely place 
that is up there and all so brilliantly illuminated, 
must be a 'wedding there' it is so early in the eve¬ 
ning. But is not that a perfectly lovely location?" 
The others said nothing while she continued to muse 
upon the delightful place, until she remarked, “that 
must be the home of some very rich man. Wesley, 
do such perfectly exquisite establishments ever tan¬ 
talize you as you meet them in your meanderings? 
Do you think we could fully appreciate a home like 
that were we able to possess one!" 

“I really don't know, dear, just how much we 
could appreciate. All my powers of appreciation 
have of late been so centered upon my latest acquire¬ 
ment, that a thing so comparatively insignificant as 
a residence has been neglected." 

“You horrid fisherman, throwing out more bait, 
are you?" cried Sybil. “I will not submit to such eva¬ 
sive tactics, tell me what I asked you to tell me and 
don't beat around the bush, either, for—" but the 
car was now entering the gate to the beautifully 
lighted home upon the terrace, and leisurely pro¬ 
ceeded up the long and devious roadway, but Sybil's 
chastening of Wesley for being a fisherman was 
never finished and neither did she attempt it or any¬ 
thing else, for she now began to realize that perhaps 
she had been making a guy of herself. In the twi¬ 
light and glare of the distant lights, she had not 
seen the expressions upon the countenances of her 
associates. Had she, her remarks would have re¬ 
mained unremarked. However, a greater surprise 
was yet in store, and for Wesley as well, but yet 
Sybil believed they were about to approach either 


340 


A QUADRtTPLEX WEDDING 


the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yates, or that some sort 
of reception was on that the Yates people had been 
invited to and had brought them, she and Wesley, 
along as their guests. It had not yet entered her in¬ 
nocent mind that this was to be her home, far from 
it indeed, had it been intimated, she would have felt 
that she was considered as susceptible to be made a 
guy of. 

The car had entered the large porte-cochere and 
halted, while Mr. Yates had descended and was 
about to assist Mrs. Yates to alight, when Sybil, with 
a slap upon Wesley’s shoulder, exclaimed: “Why, 
Wesley Hart, did you not inform me that we were to 
attend an elegant reception? You know I would 
absolutely have refused to come just dressed in a 
traveling suit, all mussed up with a long journey. I 
shall look a fright with all the smartly dressed peo¬ 
ple here present, and a perfect stranger, too. How 
ridiculous. It is the first ungallant thing I have ever 
noticed in you, and thus too, where we are just going 
to settle in our permanent home. Why did you not 
first take me to a hotel, and why should those Yates 
people, who have appeared so nice, so contrive to 
embarrass me?” 

But here Sybil was cut short in her scoring, for 
they had entered the hall and were removing their 
wraps, when she espied hung across the archway at 
end of the hall, a deep dark lambrequin, lettered 
with white roses to read, “Welcome home, Mr. and 
Mrs. Hart.” 

Sybil stood aghast, read and reread the beautiful 
inscription, then turning to Wesley, who also was a 
bit taken aback at what now so disturbed Sybil, for 
that inscription had not been a part of his designs, 
but it may be said that surprises for this happy pair 
were not to end even here. 

Sybil, thoroughly perplexed, turned to speak to 
Mrs. Yates, but neither of the Yates couple were 


341 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


present just then. They had stepped around the cor¬ 
ner to leave the pair alone for the moment and also 
to observe, just what and how located was what 
might be inside the spacious reception parlor. 

“Wesley Hart,” cried Sybil, “tell me, if you can, 
am I awake, am I dreaming in a horrid nightmare, 
or have I lost my reason? What does this mean, is 
this our home?” 

“Yes, dear,” Wesley replied, “do you not like 
it?” 

“Oh Wesley, Wesley, how grand it all is, but was 
it not nice in Mr. and Mrs. Yates to have it all so 
brilliantly illuminated upon our arrival, and that 
archway, is that not beautifully grand? But you 
have never given me the minutest intimation of what 
I now behold. You are just horrid in some respects, 
to keep me so much in ignorance of what is in store 
for me. Oh, my dear, just what would our people 
at home have to say, could they be present right 
now?” 

Mr. and Mrs. Yates now appeared, to escort the 
bewildered pair about the house as they declared, 
and this seeming a natural happening, Wesley and 
Sybil accepted their escort without argument, and 
all four passed through the portieres, Mrs. Yates 
having Sybil’s arm and Mr. Yates with Wesley, all 
four abreast in line. 

No sooner had the portieres opened, than a loud 
clapping of hands burst upon the perfect stillness 
that had reigned supreme, when twenty voices rang 
forth in song: 

Welcome home, dear friends, welcome to thy 
home, 

We are pleased to welcome thee, we are glad 
you’ve come. 

Welcome to our homes, and welcome to our town, 

With heaven’s every blessing assailing every 
frown, 


342 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


while Wesley and Sybil meekly stood gazing in won¬ 
derment at the dazzling scene before them, with 
much the same feeling that a pair may experience 
when before the altar for marriage. 

The people remained seated, except as each was 
escorted before “the visiting guests for introduc¬ 
tion.It could not be termed “a real reception/' for 
the ordinary tables were reversed, with the hosts as 
the guests and but strangers in their own home, 
already before their arrival taken possession of and 
managed by “a score of stranger friends” who had 
made their welcome complete. 

As one couple after another was presented, Wes¬ 
ley was pleased to note that some of his intimate 
acquaintances were among the assembly. He had 
not had time to scan the crowd complete before the 
presenting began. 

When nearly all had been presented, an elderly 
couple, sitting somewhat obscured by others, arose 
and were proceeding toward the receiving pair, 
when Wesley suddenly cried out: “Oh, for the love 
of heaven, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson,” and could hardly 
await the formal presentation. He threw his arms 
about the old man’s neck and turning to Sybil, Mrs. 
Jackson, Sybil, Mrs. Jackson, when Mrs. Jackson 
fondly and heartily embraced Sybil and there, right 
behind them, stood Mr. and Mrs. Hunt from Denver. 
When Wesley discovered them, again he shouted, 
“the good Lord of heaven is generously kind. My 
dear Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, how could you come so far 
to join this circus and to meet This Yankee clown’, 
and the lady you are anxious to know? Here, my 
dear wife, are the four good people and true, who 
have made this occasion possible.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Yates had arranged for everything 
that could be considered essential, for the complete 
success of an occasion such as this. The chef of the 
hotel had been upon the collation end of the arrange- 


343 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


merits. All told, there were present about two dozen 
of “the best society element” in the city and it was 
made a feature of the season by the city newspapers. 

Wesley Hart had not been a stranger to the peo¬ 
ple of Pueblo during the past ten months. His mark 
thereabouts had been indeed a plain one. He had 
been considered a real man of the section. “That 
irrepressible Yankee” was something worth while 
to consider. 

This homecoming had truly been a success, and 
it was so voted upon every hand, while the prin¬ 
cipals were kept in total ignorance of the whole bout 
and this greatly emphasized the whole happening, 
as regarded by the residents of the place. 

When the self-appointed guests of the occasion 
had departed, except the Hunts, the Jacksons and 
the Yates, who remained to visit a while and become 
better acquainted with Sybil, than could be possible 
with so many present in a general powwow, the 
elderly people had already learned to fully appre¬ 
ciate Wesley’s good judgment in selecting his bet¬ 
ter half, remarking, “It is but a full reflection of his 
acute sagacity, as already displayed in business 
matters.” These people did not term it “Yankee 
luck,” but a true type of “Yankee sagacity” as such 
had always been described to them. “Yankee inge¬ 
nuity” had been a by-word with these people of 
the far west from almost time immemorial, and to 
see and have located within their domain, a true type 
of the real “Yankee breed,” was by these remote 
people of the continent considered a good omen. In 
fact, had it not already proven out this, for had he 
not already tamed “the spooks” of the Jackson “hole 
in the ground” and conquered the obstinate waters 
of the Prohib, thus uncovering the treasure the God 
of heaven had so richly deposited there? Where 
complete desolation and loneliness had reigned for 
years, there now existed the appearance of a “veri- 


344 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


table beehive.” Surely all these conditions so re¬ 
cently changed, must be set down to the credit of 
“that Yankee,” who through an exhibit of rare judg¬ 
ment and perseverance, coupled with an unusual 
amount of real nerve, had reclaimed from the “bow¬ 
wows of spookdom” and “the clutches of Prohibition 
waters,” a commercial inspiration to the incompar¬ 
able advantage of the whole district. 

Wesley and Sybil had soon learned, that their do¬ 
mestic organization had not been entirely neglected, 
any more than had the furnishing equipment, as an 
excellent cook and chamber maid had also been in¬ 
stalled. 

The morrow had been ushered in by the full sun¬ 
shine of heaven, a beautiful morning indeed, for one 
to awaken for the first time in one’s “first real own 
home,” and this happy pair felt that they were in¬ 
deed in a real new world. It seemed to them they 
had completely quitted their former existence, that 
now they were out upon a new cruise altogether, not 
only as to their environments,but their very selves 
seemed to be not the same. A transformation had 
appeared to have taken place that seemed complete, 
so completely different all things appeared to them. 

Their guests appeared not until quite late, and 
when the sun was high in the heaven. Breakfast 
had been ordered to be served late and it was plump 
ten o’clock when they were seated at the table. 

The two elderly couples were desperately happy, 
as they appeared in the spacious hall for the good¬ 
morning greeting, while the young host and hostess 
were fully as glad in their hearts when greeting 
them. 

All dilated upon the beautiful home and much 
praise was accorded Mr. and Mrs. Yates for their 
renovating endeavor. The Hunts and Jacksons felt 
more than repaid for their endeavor to make this 
young and meritorious couple happy, and they did 


345 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


not regard it as a beggerly act upon the part of 
Wesley, in allowing them to assist him, for had he 
not placed in their possession a value in the stock 
they held in “the Yankee Mining Company”, far 
greater in excess than the amount they had loaned 
him? 

These good people visited throughout the day, 
roaming about the place and listening to some sug¬ 
gestions of improvements, that Wesley had conceived 
proper to make. 

The following morning the men had decided to 
visit the mines, while the women poached about the 
spacious rooms of the house, the elderly ladies being 
quite as greatly enraptured as was Sybil at this elab¬ 
orate home. 

Accompanied by Mr. Hunt and Mr. Jackson, 
Wesley found himself at the milling plant of the 
“Yankee Mining Company.” At first they stood off 
at a distance from the plant to observe the outward 
routine A whole hour was spent in this way, with 
no tiresome moments sandwiched in between. It 
was indeed interesting to watch the cars upon the 
tramways arriving and departing at the mill, to and 
from the crushing mills at each of the mines in ex¬ 
actly opposite directions, all working regularly with 
nothing but gravity for power, and more than a mile 
those cars went. The loaded car on the down grade 
propelled the empty car upon the return trip. As 
Mr. Hunt had expressed it, “commercial economy 
from Yankee ingenuity.” 

These visitors were also greatly interested in 
what they found inside the milling plant. Here was 
complete concentration of the minutest particles of 
gold and silver, with each separated from the other 
completely. It was said that no milling plant had 
at that time, been so complete in its delicate work as 
was this one, in fact, several thousand dollars had 
been expended in adding new and extra devices, for 


346 


A QUADRUPLEX WEDDING 


a more complete extraction of the mineral, and it can 
be said that the people in the neighborhood had pro¬ 
claimed a pride, in knowing this to be the most com¬ 
plete plant in the state. 

During the latter part of the day, our party were 
taken up the grade to the Prohib, where everything 
seemed to progress much like clock work. Here they 
met Selkirk Graham, who escorted them far into the 
bowels of that old mountain, where many men were 
drilling and blasting the flint-like rock that lay near 
to the rich veins, which was making them all rich 
each hour of the day. The extreme length of the 
tunnel was nearly a thousand feet and the headings, 
where the men were now employed were very much 
richer than before Wesley went east. With quantity 
being greater as well as quality better, everybody 
about the diggings was happy, the men sang while 
at work and no frowning countenances were visible. 
The mine was a rich one and good pay could be af¬ 
forded the workers. The old men were greatly 
exercised at what might be the outcome of the en- 
deaver, this industrial Yankee might yet contem¬ 
plate, all however, deciding to leave it with the 
pertinent question, '‘What next?” 


347 


CHAPTER X 


THE WOMEN VOTE 

The members of “The Triple Alliance” we left 
several months since, in pursuit each of his own vo¬ 
cation, and now that the time for the “annual meet¬ 
ing” of the Alliance is at hand, the members have 
received their notice, which the by-laws of the cor¬ 
poration prescribe shall be mailed by the secretary 
ten days in advance. It will be recalled by the read¬ 
er that the office of “The Triple Alliance” is located 
at St. Louis, with Ellis Slayton as the “honorable 
secretary,” and whose wife is looking forward with 
the greatest of pleasure, to the coming reunion of 
herself and twin sister, and also with their far 
distant brother. Although but sixteen months had 
passed since these enterprising people had sep¬ 
arated, this reunion may prove to be more momen¬ 
tous than succeeding ones because it is preceding 
all others. 

Upon the first of February the fiscal year of “The 
Triple Alliance” begins. The first February had 
been passed over, as it had covered but a small por¬ 
tion of a full year, after the members had first re¬ 
turned to their own stamping ground, thus it was 
now expected that each member would be able, to 
make a showing of more or less importance. 

Each separate company had held its first annual 
meeting upon January first, therefore, the “Alliance 
meeting” occurring a month later, plenty of time 
was available to prepare and hand in their state¬ 
ments at the “Alliance round-up,” also, to have in 
hand cash or equivalent for deposit in the treasury 
of the Alliance. Each of the members had desired 
that this first deposit should be all that it was possi¬ 
ble to make it, as his standing with the others re- 


348 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


fleeted upon the ability of “each baby,” respectfully, 
to quickly respond with its earning power. 

The readers already have formed an opinion as to 
who, would be able to make the larger deposit from 
the launching of the several new propositions, and 
because of the nature of the proposition, Jonas may 
have already been accorded a place at the foot of 
the line. This is but natural, and really, the other 
members had from the first expected this at the first 
round-up. Of the other two vocations it could not 
be so definitely predicted, as much might depend 
upon how prompt a start might be realized, and es¬ 
pecially in the vocation of Wesley, as more of a gam¬ 
ble was naturally present in this enterprise.” The 
“successful run of the fox,” might depend largely up¬ 
on the direction decreed by the “hounds of fate;” 
if successful, however, the fox could turn in a whole 
skin of great value, while Basil’s vehicle might be a 
more reliable one, with perhaps a lesser revenue ac¬ 
cruing in a given time. The vocations were of so 
varied a character and apparently so different in 
“probable earning capacity,” it can logically be 
claimed that no proper comparison can be drawn 
and that a close comparison should not be at¬ 
tempted. 

The four girls involved were completely happy in 
the prospective reunion. They had often corre¬ 
sponded with each other, and all were happy in 
knowing that each of them possessed practically as 
good a home and therefore, should be equally well 
satisfied with the decrees of fate, which had indeed 
been lavish in its dealings with them all. These 
girls, who always had been almost as of one family, 
realized now it might be difficult to trace a complete 
distinction in relationship. 

Evidently it was to fall upon Ellis and Bella to 
assume the roll of hosts, and they could easily as- 


349 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sume the position, as their home was spacious and 
well appointed in every respect. 

Ellis was now at the head of one of the largest 
wholesale houses in the southwest, therefore he was 
perhaps as well fixed for income, as were the others 
of this “Quadruplex connection.” Moreover, he and 
Bella enjoyed the pleasure of the “best in society” 
and were considered as among the best of entertain¬ 
ers. Verily, “the old Slayton homestead upon the 
terrace,” was kept up to its traditional standing as a 
hostelry of the first water. 

On January the twenty-ninth, a wire came from 
Jonas, announcing his intended arrival upon the eve¬ 
ning train at eighty-thirty. At eight o'clock Ellis and 
Bella started for the station in their elegant car, 
when, upon the “herders” leaving the pullman, they 
were almost frenziedly embraced by Ellis and Bella, 
while the embrace would not seem to come off, es¬ 
pecially with the twins, and so intense was the 
greeting, that many of the passing crowd stopped 
and stared. “Verily,” said one, “that meeting is a 
reunion in very truth, an exhibition of affection that 
all the world should make note of.” 

The following day came the stockholders’ meeting 
of “The Triple Allinace,” at eleven of the clock in the 
forenoon. 

“The Triple Alliance” was a close corporation, 
which meant, that outsiders were denied the privilege 
of being present at the annual meeting, as they were 
of acquiring any of the capital stock, but the women 
argued that they were no outsiders and would not be 
kept out. They were members of the corporation in 
good and regular standing, and no meeting could occur 
without their presence, and as none of the men had 
sufficient nerve to combat that argument, the women 
were very much in evidence at this, “the first annual 
meeting of The Triple Alliance.” 

The hour arrived and Basil, being president, called 


350 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


the meeting to order, being logically chairman of the 
meeting. The secretary was directed to call the roll, 
when a sharp discussion arose regarding the name to 
be used in calling off the women. Jonas suggested the 
women's names be not called, as the name of the man 
should include the women. Wesley held, that Mrs. 
should precede the last name of the man for the woman 
of that name, while Basil claimed that Mr. and Mrs. 
should precede the last name. Taken all together, a 
good deal of a powwow was then present, and when this 
joyously interesting harangue had subsided, Sybil 
Hart made an effort to be heard. 

The chairman here called everybody to order, de¬ 
claring “Mrs. Sybil Hart" has the floor, but to get or¬ 
der out of chaos and such chaos as there present, was 
something beyond human service and nobody seemed 
inclined to have an officer called in to install order, or 
pinch somebody who should rebel. Finally the laugh¬ 
ing roar ceased from sheer exhaustion. 

Sybil then declared that “the women will accept 
none of the suggestions offered. They bear distinct 
personalites of their own and are only a part of the 
men upon occasion, while this is not such an occasion." 
At this a roar that would not come off, with a loud 
clapping of hands, more than filled the atmosphere of 
that room, which was a large one. 

Finally the chairman inquired if the last speaker 
had any suggestion to offer. 

Sybil was game sufficiently to reply that, “We want 
the formality of our full names used upon this occa¬ 
sion as those of the opposite sex are used, as, I am 
Sybil Hart." The women clapped their hands and 
cried, “Bravo, bravo." The men slumped with sick¬ 
ly smiles and the roll was called. 

This formality having been gone through with, the 
chairman inquired if there was any other business to 
be taken, up before the managers of the subsidiaries 
should begin their reports. 


351 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


Sybil here inquired, “if the women are to be ac¬ 
corded the same rights as the men, to be represented in 
these reports, of which they are part and parcel, and 
without whom there could be no reports and no ‘Triple 
Alliance/ for the undertakings that the men have 
undertaken could not have been successful had the 
women not been present to proffer encouragement/' 
when handclapping was resumed by the women. 

“I arise to a point of order/' exclaimed Jonas, “the 
question as raised is not germain to the subject of the 
call." The men laughed, the women looked queer 
and the chairman ruled, that the meeting was called to 
hear the reports of the several managers, who were to 
contribute to the support and profit of “The Triple 
Alliance," and as the chairman is due to proceed first¬ 
ly, I will call Sybil Hart to the chair while he is making 
his report. 

Jonas objected to this, inasmuch as it is not in the 
by-laws, that a woman preside at a men's meeting. 
Here again was fuel for another conflagration, and off 
it went sooner than a Lucifer match. 

Janice arose and considered, that no by-laws should 
be made to interfere with women acting in any capac¬ 
ity, and as I understand it, none of the by-laws of this 
“alliance corporation" mentions the name of woman; 
if they do and apply to the rights of women in any ob¬ 
structive sense, I am here to have that objectionable 
feature eliminated, and becoming seated, the women 
again clapped, while the men subsided. When, a mo¬ 
tion was made that Sybil Hart take the chair, it was 
seconded and unanimously passed. 

Basil at once opened up upon his report, which he 
prefaced with a few remarks embodying the purpose 
of “The Triple Alliance," the compact which led up to 
its formation, with a brief synopsis of subsequent 
events recurring to the members thereof, through so¬ 
cially material entanglement, injecting much humor 
into his short address, at the conclusion of which, he 


352 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


assumed an attitude of decorum and his report was 
given throughout, with no semblance of a smile upon 
his countenance. 

“The Urban Valley Railway Company,” as you 
know, began business for a profit about eighteen 
months ago. It had lost a part of the first summer’s 
business, which, as to fares collected, is the best part 
of the year; regarding the freight traffic, we have had 
a good run of business throughout, with each month 
about even with all other months. At the meeting 
last month it was reported that the twelve months end¬ 
ing in January first, showed a million one hun¬ 
dred and fifty thousand tons of freight at an aver¬ 
age of one dollar twenty cents per ton. The fares re¬ 
turning fifty-five thousand dollars, the freight one 
hundred eighty thousand, with the total expense of 
one hundred thirty-five thousand dollars deducted, 
leaves a profit upon the twelve months’ business of a 
hundred and ten thousand dollars. It was voted to 
pay to the capital stock a dividend of forty per cent. 
This will require eighty thousand dollars of the net 
earnings and will afford Basil Carter sixty-six thou¬ 
sand dollars, of which he can deposit in the treasury 
of ‘The Triple Alliance’ fifty thousand, and fairly well 
care for family expenses and personal obligations, 
that may fall due during the ensuing twelve months. 

“My associates in the business appeared well 
pleased at the results, as one remarked, ‘Forty per 
cent grows upon but few of the shrubs in my door 
yard,’ and I had not the heart to argue adversely the 
seemingly good point he had made, poor man, but may 
add, that the bankers who assisted me in financing the 
proposition, passed over about the most sincere con¬ 
gratulations upon my successful venture that one 
often reads about, expressing the hope, that I would 
strive to dig up another ‘Darius Green with a trolley 
machine’ and call around with my demands, for any¬ 
thing they possessed that could do me good. Further- 

353 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


more, it would have made you all smile to have seen 
and heard ‘Darius Green and his talking machine', 
after that report had been delivered. There seemed to 
be nothing in vocabulary, too extravagant for him to 
apply to ‘the trolley proposition' and ‘yours truly/ 
Thus, I have submitted to ‘The Triple Alliance', my 
first annual report and herewith deliver to its treas¬ 
ury my first contribution, in the shape of a ‘Banker's 
Check' for Fifty Thousand dollars, asking of the treas¬ 
urer his receipt for the same." 

All clapped their hands vigorously and shouted, 
“Great, grand, bravo, three cheers for ‘The fortunate 
Triple Alliance'," which were given by all present with 
sparkling eyes and smiling lips. 

Basil here said he desired to make one more state¬ 
ment, which might assist in proving the statements he 
had made prospectively, that possibly more might be 
expected as earnings from “his baby." 

“One day while in the big city, the president of the 
‘Rapid Transit Company' accosted yours truly upon 
the street, invited him to his office and proposed he sell 
out the capital stock of ‘The Urban Valley Company,' 
saying, ‘I will give you a half million dollars cash for 
that stock,' when I inquiringly replied, ‘why not make 
it a million, that looks better to me and would cause my 
associates to feel better, were we willing to part with 
the stock at all ?' 

“‘And why should it not,' retorted the president, 
‘it is a large amount of money for the outlay you have 
made for the stock.' 

“The reply to this was, that ‘upon the earnings of 
the past year, based at ten per cent par, it should 
make the stock worth eight hundred thousand dollars, 
but as we need something as occupation to keep us out 
of mischief, we know of nothing better to use as a toy.' 
When leaving, he called out, ‘Will you sell for eight 
hundred thousand,' and with a smile I bowed my¬ 
self out.” 


354 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


Basil now resumed the chair and inquired, if Mr. 
Kent would tell us all about his “charming baby.” 

“Yes,” replied Jonas, “but guess after what has 
already been passed across, it will excite little inter¬ 
est and no applause. By jove, Basil, your story should 
have been put over last. The plains of Texas are slow 
in comparison and will not be hastened, even by the 
push of ‘Yankee ingenuity and perseverance/ The 
location of ‘my baby’ is against quick accomplish¬ 
ments ; like Missouri people ‘we must be shown/ then 
given time to consider and then, do as we please about 
when we please. Thus, we compare more favorably 
with the aged and perverse mule, than with ‘electrified 
wheels and rails/ 

“We have listened to an elaborate report of what 
the ‘electric element can do for the kite/ to enable 
it to bountifully serve those, who are fortunate 
enough to obtain a good hold of its tail, and thus 
be whisked promptly into the soft bosom of mil¬ 
lions. But soft environment is not so prompt¬ 
ly available in the state of Texas, for this Jonah 
in particular, as never yet has he encountered 
a whale, whose belly may be loaded with millions, but 
such as I have, give I unto thee, that you may accord 
me your sympathies if not congratulations. 

“We, too, held our first annual with the advent of 
the new year. There are but three stockholders, be¬ 
cause that number has been considered plenty to carry 
off all the swag, that ‘a Texas ranch' can annually ac¬ 
quire. 

“We own and operate ‘fifteen thousand acres' of 
Uncle Sam's farm. We have raised and purchased a 
herd of seven thousand of the cattle kind, twenty-six 
thousand sheep, nine thousand swine and raised twelve 
thousand bushels of wheat, ten thousand bushels of 
corn, and six thousand bushels of oats, the corn and 
oats being consumed upon the ranch. 

“We sold fifteen hundred cattle at thirty dollars 


355 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


per head, six thousand sheep at three-fifty each, three 
thousand swine at four dollars apiece, and seven thou¬ 
sand dollars’ worth of wool, also twelve thousand 
bushels of wheat at ninety cents per bushel. This 
totals the sum of one hundred and seven thousand dol¬ 
lars, with a total expense of nine thousand dollars, 
leaving ninety-eight thousand for the year’s profit, 
upon which a dividend of sixty per cent was voted, and 
as Jonas Kent owns eighty-five per cent of the capital 
stock, of 'The Triplet Herding Company’ and has no 
outstanding personal obligation, but with some cash in 
bank, he can easily spare 'fifty-five thousand dollars’ 
for the 'poor Triple Alliance.’ 

"In the inventory of the property present after the 
wind-up, we find the cattle to number fifty-five hun¬ 
dred, the sheep twenty thousand, the swine six thou¬ 
sand, all having a total value of one hundred sixty-two 
thousand dollars, and the land and improvements at 
the original figure, one hundred and fifty thousand. 

"This herd will allow of larger sales next year, as 
from this point the increase will be enormous and I 
hope to appear here again at the next annual meeting, 
with a respectable contribution for our 'needy Al¬ 
liance,’ and yet accidents may happen, as we some¬ 
times have tornadoes and other wild things to contend 
with, that the solemn old east does not have to en¬ 
counter. 

"The progress made leading up to the organization 
of 'The Triplet Herding Company,’ should not be 
taken as a criterion in attempting to start a prosper¬ 
ous ranch in so prompt a manner. It must be remem¬ 
bered that several favorable happenings happened to 
make my efforts promptly successful. Without these 
aids I tremble to think, of what might have been, the 
littleness of my contribution this day to the treasury of 
the 'Alliance.’ 

"My most sanguine expectations have been far ex¬ 
ceeded through the interposition of a kind fate, while 
356 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


I think so favorable a combination of events, could not 
have presented themselves otherwise. True, not al¬ 
ways would they have encountered a character, who 
could or would have accepted the conditions presented, 
nevertheless, the character was out seeking opportu¬ 
nities, while it appeared like opportunities searching 
for an appreciator, and it proved out that Jonas Kent 
possessed that quality of appreciation, that consistent¬ 
ly refused to allow them to get by. Thus, as often 
happens in an apparently natural course of events, we 
are led by an invincible or instinctive factor, to com¬ 
mit acts that at another time might appear to be of an 
impossible character and when, the conditions pre¬ 
senting themselves were almost or quite miraculous. 

“I confess, moreover, that much and intense nerve, 
aided by a determination to arrive through some 
process of evolution, was the inspiration that goaded 
Jonas Kent forward to make such daring deals, with¬ 
out which, his possessions would have been far less 
and his contributions to ‘The Triple Alliance' greatly 
insignificant, in comparison with the deposit just re¬ 
ceived by the treasurer from Mr. Carter, but which I 
am greatly pleased to follow in amount, as well as in 
fact. For this check, Mr. Treasurer, kindly write out 
a receipt." 

“Mr. Hart has the floor next," remarked the chair¬ 
man, “by the twinkle of his eye and by the confident 
expression he wears, I am forced to think he has an 
interesting tale to entertain us with." 

A smile stole over the countenances of all present, 
as Wesley arose to say his little piece. 

“He, from whom much is expected, shall be the 
most disappointing of all," was Wesley's opening sa¬ 
lute. “We just up and went to the hills of far distant 
Colorado, Sybil and I. We had located ourselves as 
far remote from all former associations, as seemed 
necessary to enable us to alone by ourselves and in our 
own good way and time, satisfactorily at least to our- 


357 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


selves, work out our own blessed salvation and as far 
as possible that of ‘our babies/ 

“We pitched our tent amid pleasant environments 
just without the limits of a beautiful city, whether 
wisely or no, future chronicles will have to tell you. If 
they attempt to describe and locate our humble place 
of abode, they will likely term it and its location, ‘The 
elephant upon the hilltop/ 

“We were not to approach this elephant with 
‘brass bands and fireworks/ It required not the light 
or inspiration of such elements to lure us to our goal, 
the apartments within the creature were plentifully 
illuminated, the warmth of the friendship awaiting 
us therein, was quite sufficient for the day thereof, 
thus we, Sybil and I, became installed within the 
precincts of a beautiful home, largely through the 
the kind aid of sincere friends, with whom mere ac¬ 
cident had placed me in contact. Perhaps, as Mr. 
Kent has said, through the kind decrees of some per¬ 
sonality of fate, a factor all may believe in to some 
extent, but probably is well embodied in the word 
accident. I am using this phase of digression, be¬ 
cause of the close alliance of such good friends with 
the very inception of my enterprise, without whom 
I might not have had any report to offer, any ‘baby’ 
to nurse, or any ‘elephant’ to reside in with my bon- 
nie bride. 

“Sybil and I are just a pair of Yankee miners, 
and are termed just that by our most intimate ac¬ 
quaintances. We possess two more or less profitable 
holes in the ground. These holes have been found 
to contain money, just money, nothing else of impor¬ 
tance in one, unless we except a few of the spook 
kind, which, however, have caused us no appre¬ 
hension. The other hole, we are not sorry to say, 
contains what promises to assist greatly in the en¬ 
largement of our deposit with ‘The Triple Alliance/ 
Aside from the real money we can pick up in many 


358 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


compartments of the other hole, and which has 
already made a respectable addition to the total of 
real money picked up, much greater increase may 
reasonably be expected from this side issue, than 
from the real money product that is present in 
abundance. It has been said that ‘a good mine’ is 
the richest affair among the many assets of men. 'A 
poor mine’ would jeopardize both the body and soul 
of man. 

“We, Sybil and I, assisted by co-operators, are in 
a producing condition. We have in our employ 
about thirty men connected with each hole, with 
about fifteen men at the milling plant, at an average 
wage of three dollars fifty per day. This, with over¬ 
head charges, makes up a round total of four hun¬ 
dred dollars’ expense per day. 

“The production during the past twelve months, 
has averaged six hundred and seventy ounces of silver 
and eighty-five ounces of gold per day. The silver 
value was four hundred and two dollars, an amount 
equal the full expense, the gold value seventeen 
hundred dollars, this amount, accruing to the stock 
and surplus working capital, would mean in divi¬ 
dends alone, five hundred per cent upon the full cap¬ 
italization. 

“At our annual meeting last month, a dividend 
upon the stock was declared of four hundred per 
cent, thus leaving a surplus in the treasury of the 
company, of an amount equal to the capitalization, 
which makes a reasonably sound condition in the 
finances of the company to withstand a streak of 
hard luck, that occasionally might happen along, 
and we, Sybil and I, owning seventy-five per cent of 
the stock, were obliged to accept three-fourths of 
what Jack Loon terms ‘the dough,’ which after pro¬ 
viding for outstanding personal obligations and well 
caring for ourselves, with all our babies present and 
future, will allow of a deposit with ‘The Triple Alli- 

359 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


ance’, which we are happy in being able to make, of 
the snug sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dol¬ 
lars, which in the form of a ‘Banker's Check’ is here¬ 
with tendered.” 

All present, but Sybil, simply at first looked 
aghast and then, looked across at each other, while 
none attempted to make any remarks. 

The first to recover from the season of semi-ani¬ 
mation was Basil, who inquired as to what action the 
meeting cared to take upon the several reports, 
when Jonas moved that the first two reports offered be 
accepted. 

“And why not all?” inquired Janice. 

Jonas arose and vigorously opposed the accept¬ 
ance of Wesley’s report as rendered, saying “that 
no such condition as has obtained was contemplated 
or even dreamed of, when the compact declaring 
for the formation of ‘The Triple Alliance’ was given 
birth, it was contemplated, however, that one might 
be able through conditions especially favorable to 
his particular enterprise, to contribute more than 
another, perhaps occasionally, as good fortune might 
wave up and down. I think it was somewhat in the 
minds of those interested, that one might contribute 
more than another from the business of a certain 
year, when upon the next year another might lead 
and it was upon that feature that the foundation of 
the compact rested. Misfortune might overtake one 
of the members for a year or even several years, 
when the more fortunate ones should, ‘through this 
compact, share in that one’s misfortune and there¬ 
fore continue to keep ‘Honors Even,’ as they were at 
the start. That being the true purpose of the forma¬ 
tion of ‘The Triple Alliance,’ with the conditions ex¬ 
posed through Mr. Hart’s report, showing such an 
overwhelming amount available, in excess of what 
are the contributions of the other members, I can¬ 
not conscientiously accept his full donation, as it ap- 


360 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


pears to me at present. I would be pleased, how¬ 
ever, to listen to some expression of opinion from 
others.” 

Basil replied to this invite first with a broad 
smile, directed especially at Wesley, after which he 
said: “The position Mr. Kent has taken is really the 
only logical one that could honorably be taken, when 
considering the case to end with this single year's 
report, but it could not be rightfully considered in 
this way, because of the uncertainties of the future, 
which no man can definitely discount and especially 
one engaged in a mining enterprise, while appar¬ 
ently, a continuation of Mr. Hart’s excessively lucra¬ 
tive business may be expected, there may be se¬ 
creted in the mists of the near future, obstacles of 
disappointment that could reduce the revenue of 
‘The Yankee Mining Co.,’ to a point much below that 
of ‘a ranch’ or ‘a trolley railway.’ It is not a unit of 
several years that the purpose of our compact is 
based upon. Thus, I am not certain that we have the 
right to object to whatever may be tendered from a 
member, if it be actual net profits after deducting a 
satisfactory amount for personal and family needs, 
upon which no restriction was placed by the tenor 
of the compact. I think if Mr. Hart insists upon the 
acceptance of his magnificent donation, ‘The Alli¬ 
ance’ cannot refuse to accept it, therefore, it really 
is up to him. Are there other expressions of opinion 
to be listened to?” 

The lady members were silent right here. They 
were not claiming their rights, a point which Basil 
suggested, adding, that were the ladies to claim the 
right of voting, they should also accept the responsi¬ 
bility of debating. If one should obtain a position in 
a blacksmith shop, she would be expected as well to 
shoe a horse upon occasion, as to stand at the anvil 
or vise engaged in some more agreeable pursuit. 

A smile crossed the countenances of the ladies at 


361 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


this sally, but no remarks helped on the discussion, 
while they all looked toward Wesley, hoping for 
some words of comfort from him, but he had said his 
little piece, and after objection had been made to the 
acceptance of his report, he could not consistently 
move for its acceptance, or speak further upon the 
subject. 

Jonas, having made the present motion before 
the meeting, could do nothing but withdraw it, 
which must be done or it must be voted upon. 

Janice finally moved that all the reports be ac¬ 
cepted and this was declared out of order, when they 
all giggled, while Sybil seconded the first motion and 
called for the question. The motion that Jonas made 
must then be voted upon, unless an amendment was 
offered and accepted, thus the motion was put and 
resulted in nobody voting but the women, and they 
all voted “no.” 

Jonas had reasoned the matter out somewhat 
since listening to Basil's remarks, although taking 
little stock in the talk of trouble creeping in to pre¬ 
vent Wesley's excessive earnings. He realized that 
the tenor of their compact did not provide for, or 
preclude, any excessive donations that might be ten¬ 
dered, any more than did it preclude any minimum 
amount. Thus he offered another motion to accept 
each report separately, in the order in which they 
had been delivered, and the voting went merrily for¬ 
ward, while the treasurer found he had in his cus¬ 
tody belonging to “The Triple Alliance” the colossal 
sum of “three hundred and fifty-five thousand dol¬ 
lars.” 

But it was a bit chafing to Basil and Jonas, that 
about two-thirds of the amount had been donated by 
Wesley, when all realized that their efforts had been 
fully as able and untiring and their success ex¬ 
tremely unusual, but to the reader, the conclusion 
that must be arrived at, must be drawn from the fact, 


362 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


that Wesley's unusually good fortune had centered 
in the accident of luck, and yet, another could have 
possessed the same property and not have operated 
it with the same results, having possibly adopted 
different methods and exhibited a different type of 
judgment, in selecting his executive force of operators. 

The fiscal year had rolled around, the annual meet¬ 
ings of the several corporations had been held and the 
footings of all had materially increased. 

The annual round-up of “The Triple Alliance" 
was about to occur. The members were on their way 
to St. Louis headquarters and were supremely hap- 
in anticipation of the coming reunion with all its 
attendant pleasures. 

Soon they were assembled within the spacious 
rooms of “Slayton Hall," all having arrived upon the 
same day. The evening of that day was grandly and 
riotously spent, care had no place of abode in the 
minds or hearts of anyone present. The following 
day and evening all were as “tempest and sunshine." 

The second day after the arrival of these happy- 
go-lucky-as-you-please-type of the human make-up, 
“The Triple Alliance" was to hold its annual at eleven 
of the clock in the forenoon, when promptly the 
members assembled, one and all, no lady even for¬ 
getting to be present. 

The meeting was called to order by the presi¬ 
dent, each one having now cast off all semblance of 
gay frolic. The stern demeanor of business closed 
down upon every action. 

The reports of the last meeting were read. The 
chairman inquired if Mrs. Hart would kindly take 
the chair. At this a smile appeared upon every coun¬ 
tenance as they recalled the incident of a year ago. 

Basil opened up with the statement, that much 
progress had been made along the lines he repre- 


363 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


sented, 'his baby’ had been overburdened with the 
demands made upon it, notwithstanding large addi¬ 
tional facilities, and would continue to remain un¬ 
equal to the task set before it, for at least another 
year, as traffic can well increase faster than can 
facilities to meet it. 

"The Urban Valley Railroad,” received a million 
four hundred and fifty thousand fares, carried one 
hundred seventy-five thousand tons of freight, at an 
average of one dollar and twenty-five cents per ton, 
received five thousand dollars from perquisites 
granted at the picnic grove and ten thousand for 
lighting streets and homes, all totaling three hun¬ 
dred and six thousand two hundred fifty dollars, 
with an expense of one hundred and seventy thou¬ 
sand, leaving for stock one hundred and thirty-six 
thousand two hundred fifty dollars. It was voted to 
declare a dividend of sixty per cent, this requiring 
one hundred and twenty thousand dollars of the net 
earnings, of which Janice and Basil Carter's stock 
called for ninety-nine thousand dollars, eighty-five 
of which I now hand over to the treasurer of "The 
Triple Alliance" in this certified check. Having now 
concluded my report, I will resume the chair and 
call upon Mr. Kent to tell us what he can, concerning 
the operations of "his baby." 

Jonas began as before when offering his report, 
in complaint of the modus operandi in conducting 
reception of the reports, saying, "the smaller fish in 
the puddle should be accorded the satisfaction and 
courtesy of passing in his check first, as the humilat- 
ing effect would be less embarrassing, none like to 
be excelled and I believe Jonas Kent may be greatly 
more sensitive than many another. However, as the 
decree appears to have gone forth that 'big dogs 
may eat up little dogs,’ I’ll have to graciously, and 
perhaps gratefully, submit to conditions as they are, 
giving thanks to somebody that I am permitted at all 


364 


THE WOMEN VOTE 

to offer ‘a poor ranch' report, to be placed in com¬ 
pany with that of 'a railroad magnate' and ‘gold and 
silver diggers.' 

“A humble ranch man has not the moral right to 
go out into dooryards and pick up dollars and gold 
eagles by the bushel, or have the dear public in millions 
at his gate clamoring and crowding for opportunity 
to toss over their money bags, in exchange for a ride. 
Moreover, Jonas Kent never yet had the nerve or cold¬ 
blooded heart, to demand a man's money for passing 
out a short ride, which might be considered in any 
well-regulated community as a hold-up, and down our 
way a hold-up man is likely to be considered simply 
a highwayman, and subject to the kind treatment of 
‘hanging by the neck until he shall be dead.’ " Here 
for the moment the decorum of the meeting had become 
insincere. 

“There appearing to be no way of avoiding full 
responsibility in these premises and believing your 
patience to have been already bored, I will undertake 
to inform you that ‘my baby' is yet a living child and 
has kicked up its heels throughout the year, and more 
or less vigorously with the following results: 

“The births upon the farm have been twenty-five 
hundred of the cattle kind, eighteen thousand of sheep 
nature and eleven thousand of swine; additions by pur¬ 
chase, two thousand cattle kind, six thousand sheep 
and four thousand swine. Thus we have a pretty happy 
family altogether of fifty-four thousand head, not 
including any of the births in our home, and will tell 
you about some of them later.” Again the decorum 
of the meeting had lost its prestige. 

“At the annual round-up we had marketed two 
thousand eight hundred cattle at an average of thirty- 
three dollars each, ten thousand sheep at three sev¬ 
enty-five each, eight thousand swine at four dollars and 
sixteen thousand dollars' worth of wool, with eighteen 
thousand seven hundred and fifty bushels of wheat 


365 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


at ninety cents a bushel, making the receipts, alto¬ 
gether, one hundred and ninety thousand, with total 
expense of eleven thousand deducted, all of which 
show a profit of one hundred and eighty thousand. A 
dividend was declared of one hundred and forty per 
cent, eighty-five per cent of which came to Jonas and 
Betty Kent. Of this sum they can spare, after being 
good to themselves and Their babies,' the modest sum 
of one hundred thousand dollars, as a deposit with 
‘The Triple Alliance,' with a surplus from the business 
of the year remaining in the treasury of ‘The Yankee 
Herding Company’, of forty thousand dollars as a 
starter for the next year’s business. After all, the 
‘poor farmer’ can be grateful for some droppings, while 
‘railroad magnates’ and ‘gold diggers’ are getting 
theirs.” 

“I feel morally certain that Mr. Hart desires to 
tell us how the cold world has used him during the past 
year,” remarked the chairman. “His appearance cer¬ 
tainly does not indicate that he has been too badly used, 
undoubtedly ‘the good wife’ has groomed him nicely 
and kept his spirits unruffled.” 

“Yes indeed, Mr. Chairman,” was the retort. “And 
would to God that many another could say as much and 
be as happy. Truly, a kind fate has been with us 
and decreed many grand and good things for our bene¬ 
faction, but it is about ‘the baby’ that you are anxious 
to learn, not the baby of the home, however, for that 
is our own secret as yet, but of ‘the baby among the 
hills’ I will tell you some stories.” 

“The milling plant has been upon a routine produc¬ 
tion for the greater part of the year. It took on a 
pace soon after I returned from our previous annual 
that was entirely satisfactory, and our executives con¬ 
sidered well enough ‘was of the greater service when 
blessedly left alone.’ Thus the pace at first acquired 
has been maintained all throughout. 

“An ‘experimental department,’ alluded to in my 


366 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


former report, has developed into something of a 
'revenue dispenser.' The choice minerals discovered 
during last year have been found present in consid¬ 
erable quantities, and while the fore part of the year 
was largely lost to production, the last half has made 
a creditable showing. 

"The milling plant has averaged throughout the 
year, seven hundred ounces of silver per day and 
eighty-five good ounces of gold. The silver value was 
four hundred and twenty dollars, with the gold value 
seventeen hundred dollars per day; as appearing in 
the last report, the silver production has been equal 
to the total expense, leaving the gold as clear profit. 

"The chemical department for the year has pro¬ 
duced per week, on average, platinum, one hundred 
ounces; indium, fifty ounces; radium, thirty ounces; 
and asmium, eighteen ounces, values respectively, 
twelve, fifteen, forty-five and fifty-five dollars per 
ounce, total value per week of four thousand two hun¬ 
dred and ninety dollars, with an expense of seven 
hundred and ninety dollars, leaving as net profit thirty- 
five hundred, which, added to the gold production, 
shows a total profit of six hundred and ninety-two 
thousand dollars." 

"At the annual meeting the dividend declared, was 
six hundred per cent upon the full capital stock, and 
Sybil and Wesley Hart must lug off three-fourths of 
the amount paid out, meaning four hundred and fifty 
thousand. The even four hundred thousand we have 
decided we could spare as our annual donation to 'The 
Triple Alliance,' and yet, get through the coming 
year in a comfortable manner. In closing, we ask 
the treasurer's receipt for this certified check." 

"What action will you take upon the reports," in¬ 
quired the chairman. 

"Well," responded Jonas, " ‘The Triple Alliance' has 
accepted the money and we cannot do otherwise than 
accept the reports, but by jove, it is a mighty hard 

367 


THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 


pill for Jonas Kent to swallow without experiencing 
some degree of nausea, in being obliged to accept one- 
third of Mr. Hart’s donation, when contributing but 
one-fourth as much myself to the cause. I am donating 
thirty-three thousand for his benefit, when in return 
he is placing one hundred and thirty-three thousand 
for my credit, and I tell you plainly, I don’t like it.” 

While now it seemed apparent to each, that he had 
successfully negotiated the prescribed route, and com¬ 
pletely upheld his honor with his associates, the satis¬ 
faction present they all considered, could not properly 
be computed and compensated with the coin of the 
realm. Indeed, no earthly commodity available, aside 
from affection for loved ones, could bear up against 
the soul-satisfying reflections of these boys. Money 
for money’s sake was not the goal they had sought 
after, but to gain the position they had attained, 
through the practice of none other than shrewd but 
upright dealing with all mankind, with whom they 
had been assigned to deal, was truly the satisfying 
portion they now enjoyed. 

The reports of the past year’s endeavor, when for¬ 
mally read and handed in to the secretary, all showed 
a considerable increase over the results of the previous 
year. The Farm and Mines, however, had gained a 
material percentage above that of the railroad; intel¬ 
ligently considered, mining is capable of possibilities 
beyond human conception, and Wesley Hart had fully 
demonstrated the correctness of this diagnosis. 

A railroad, being a semi-public affair, may be sub¬ 
ject to a handicap through the demands of the public, 
for when profits are known to be excessively large, 
the dear public, of course, has a word or two to say 
about it. 

The farm would generally be taken as the smallest 
producer of the three items in question, but the possi¬ 
bilities of this often despised and belittled vocation, 
have been proven by the indomitable will and saga- 


868 


THE WOMEN VOTE 


cious enterprise of Jonas Kent, to be quite the equal 
of any, even the best of gambles in mining, as his 
showing on the present occasion surpasses Wesley's 
by a few thousand dollars, while now that it is well 
started, will show a greater increase with less 
endeavor. 

After deducting a liberal amount, each from his 
own part of the profits of his own business for per¬ 
sonal use, the donations to the treasury of “The Triple 
Alliance,” added to the amount possessed by the treas¬ 
ury the year before, brought the total up to one mil¬ 
lion five hundred fifty thousand dollars, which sug¬ 
gested the division called for by the Alliance Compact. 

It was then voted to divide twelve hundred thou¬ 
sand dollars of it into four parts, to be held and owned 
separately by the members of “The Triple Alliance,” 
Ellis now being considered as a full member of the 
alliance, through contributing his service as secretary 
and manager of the financial equipment. 

In leaving these unusual and enterprising young 
people to course their way along, a sentiment of regret 
injects itself into our thoughts, that the true type of 
manhood exemplified by them, is not greatly more 
present within the human family and that the common 
weal do not naturally and more fully appreciate, the 
type of character that can make possible for all, “a 
successful Triple Alliance.” 


369 













Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: # * - % iQQfi 



/ c 111 Thomson Park Drive 

-v Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 

(412) 779-2111 








SEP 1 6 1924 
































































































